Clean eating is one of the hottest buzzwords that have been getting so much attention and mentions right now. But what does clean eating mean in the first place? There are some who claim that it is nothing but a nebulous term or yet another type of fad diet.
However, clean eating actually has a very transparent definition. When you eat clean, you are aware of the ingredients added to your meals and go into your body. Basically, these include foods that are free from chemicals, rich in nutrients, and locally or organically sourced from farms instead of refined or processed in factories. To guarantee total freshness, meals also need to be cooked at home from scratch with the use of fresh ingredients, different cooking methods, and a variety of condiments and seasonings.
Middle Eastern or Arabic cuisine is considered as among the healthiest as it includes healthy fats, lean proteins, grains, and vegetables in almost all dishes. Seeds, herbs specifically cumin and za’atar, and rich spices distinguish it from European cuisines.
Shopping at Los Angeles Arabic supermarkets near me will help you prepare the following delicious Middle Eastern dishes that support a healthy and clean lifestyle:
Dolma
Dolma is a popular dish in the Middle East that is made with fresh vine leaves that serves as a wrapper for meat or brown rice. Aside from its extremely low-calorie content, vine leaves are also very rich in nutrients, offering potent doses of vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and fiber.
Falafel
Falafel is one of the most famous street foods in the Middle East. This is a type of deep-fried ball of chickpeas typically served with salad and pita bread. Falafel is also high in carbohydrates, fiber, and protein, in addition to other nutrients including vitamin B, calcium, or iron. Make sure that you fry it with coconut oil or you can also bake it to reduce the high-fat content often linked with frying
Freekeh
Rich in fiber and protein that is almost double compared to that of quinoa, freekeh is a type of ancient grain native to the Middle East. This is a healthy super grain that acts as an excellent alternative to wheat. This is also rich in zinc, iron, and calcium.
Since this super grain is high in fiber, it aids with digestion and lets you stay full for an extended period of time. It is also used as a great side dish for practically all meals, and you can also serve it for breakfast oatmeal-style.
Lentil Soup
Another renowned Middle Eastern dish, lentil soup is rich in nutrients and delicious at the same time. The beans are mostly available in a variety of flavors and are fairly simple to prepare. With high amounts of B vitamins and antioxidants, lentils improve heart health and boost the immune system.
Tabbouleh
The last but definitely not the least, tabbouleh is a Middle Eastern salad rich in vitamins made up of finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, onion, bulgur, and mint seasoned with salt, lemon juice, and olive oil. For an added boost of fiber and protein, you can switch bulgur with couscous or quinoa.
