Ever heard the saying “abs are made in the kitchen?” Most nutritionists and trainers agree that a healthy diet is crucial to muscle development and avoiding weight gain in the form of body fat. Additionally, clean eating has other invaluable benefits that aid in maintaining clear skin, increasing energy levels throughout the day, and providing nutrients to internal organs and bones that will help us stay fit as we grow older.

However, clean eating isn’t the easiest thing to maintain on a daily basis as we go about our busy days, and we often sacrifice the opportunity for a healthy bite with a quick hunger fix in the form of a snack high in sodium, bleached flour, and refined sugar. Even going to the gym every day and incorporating a healthy mix of cardio and weight training won’t compensate for an inadequate diet, not to mention that an optimal gym routine paired with the right food would see a dramatic increase in results. Nonetheless, there are simple steps we can take to maximize the benefits that healthy, clean food can provide.

From planning snacks when you are on the go to meal-prepping at home, here are 10 Simple Tips for Clean Eating