My journey toward clean living started with a book: Super Life. It opened my eyes to the chemicals hidden in our food, household items, clothing, and makeup. I was overwhelmed at first. I went into full-on “clean everything” mode—only eating organic food and avoiding anything I thought might have harsh ingredients. Honestly, I was hungry a lot because I was too scared to eat certain things.
But over time, I realized that it’s impossible to avoid all chemicals and harsh ingredients. They’re everywhere in our environment, and stressing about every little thing was just as unhealthy as what I was trying to avoid. That’s when I shifted to an 80/20 mindset: being intentional without striving for perfection.
Now, I focus on what I can control. We eat mostly organic, and my everyday makeup and skincare products are clean. But I also get Botox and enjoy having my nails done—that’s my 20%. Clean living isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being mindful and making intentional changes without overwhelming yourself.
Why Clean Living Matters
The food we eat and the products we use impact far more than we realize. Since making these changes, I’ve noticed:
- Improvements in mental health: Reduced anxiety and stress levels.
- Behavioral changes in my kids: Fewer sugar highs and tantrums.
- Better overall well-being: More energy and less brain fog.
Clean living is about setting yourself and your family up for success by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals wherever possible.
My Approach to Clean Living
1. Educate Yourself (But Don’t Panic)
Knowledge is power, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the information out there. Start small and use trusted resources like the EWG website to research products and ingredients.
- Food Labels: Learn to read beyond the buzzwords. For example, “natural flavors” aren’t always bad—sometimes, they’re just proprietary information.
- Household Products: Look for non-toxic options for cleaning supplies and detergents.
2. Prioritize Your Swaps
You don’t need to replace everything at once. Focus on the areas that matter most to you:
- Food: Start by choosing organic for produce with the highest pesticide exposure (e.g., strawberries, spinach).
- Cleaning Supplies: Swap harsh chemical cleaners for natural alternatives like vinegar-based solutions or plant-based brands.
- Skincare and Makeup: Transition to clean beauty products. Look for items free from parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances.
3. Embrace the 80/20 Mindset
It’s okay to make exceptions. Life is about balance, not perfection. Choose clean options where it’s practical, and don’t stress about the rest.
- My 80%: Organic food, clean skincare, glass storage containers.
- My 20%: Botox, nail salon visits, and the occasional processed treat.
This approach keeps clean living manageable and sustainable for the long term.
4. Make It a Family Effort
Clean living doesn’t just benefit you—it impacts your whole family. Get your kids involved by teaching them about healthy choices. For example:
- Show them how to read labels.
- Make DIY cleaning products together.
- Choose fun, reusable items like bamboo utensils or stainless steel water bottles.
5. Small Changes Add Up
Every intentional choice makes a difference. Start with small swaps:
- Replace plastic kitchenware with bamboo or glass.
- Switch from conventional candles to soy or beeswax options.
- Opt for reusable bags and containers instead of single-use plastics.
My Favorite Clean Living Products
Here are a few products I’ve tried and loved on my clean living journey:
Food and Kitchen
Cleaning Supplies
Skincare and Beauty
For the Kids
- Eco-Friendly Lunchboxes
- Non-Toxic Crayons and Art Supplies
Final Thoughts
Clean living isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about being intentional, informed, and finding a balance that works for you. When I let go of the need to “clean everything” and embraced a more balanced mindset, it became so much easier to make lasting changes.
Start small, focus on what matters most to you, and remember: progress is better than perfection. Every choice you make helps create a healthier, happier environment for you and your family.
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