For me, I consider my daily diet as 'clean', if I'm eating fresh foods typically found in the basic food pyramid, proportional to me needs at the time.
The key word for me is sustainability. I needs it to be something I'm happy to day day after day, week after week. Like a lifestyle choice. I refuse to be so strict about my dieting requirements that it affects my social life. I have done that in the past and it really wasn't worth it.
I easily drink 3-6L of water per day, depending on my activity level.
My combined soft drink and alcohol intake over a year would be immeasurable.
I have a large cappuccino with 2 sugars once per day 3-6 x week.
I'd be lucky if I ate maccas or other such fast food outlets 4 x per year.
On average, I'd drink 1L of light milk per day.
Other than milk, I consciously keep dairy to a minimum as it is typically calorie dense.
I'm not allergic to gluten or wheat etc so can eat bread without issue though I prefer multi grain bread or wraps. No more than 2 of either per day.
Breakfast is almost always 6-7 multi grain or normal wheatbix with light milk - nothing sustains me better or gives me more energy in the first half of the day.
As the day tapers off I usually limit my carb intake. Befreering to eat larger amounts earlier in the day.
The only time I really ever eat desserts is out at dinner or away camping. I consider it a bit of a treat / indulgence for myself.
Balance is the most important thing. I do not ban a particular food group but consider each on it's merits. If I loose my way for a week or three I don't beat myself up because I know it's not the end of the world and in the greater scheme of things, I'm doing a much larger proportion of good things for my body, than bad.
The hardest part is walking past the bakery on the way to the gym. The smell of freshly baked croissants tests my will power like nothing else. So far, so good, but I'm not sure how long I can last, Captain.
