As part of my real job, I got the chance to meet James Duigan a few weeks ago at a breakfast with CoYo. He’s the new face of the deliciously creamy coconut yogurt that’s dairy and gluten free!

I got the chance to ask him a few questions about the Clean and Lean diet, eating as an athlete, and you’ll get the chance to win one of two copies of the Clean and Lean diet book!

James’s book shows you how to get ‘Clean’ by following a flexible 14-day detox and eating plan, and then how to get ‘Lean’ by honing your body with exercises to get results. 

Why did you start Clean and Lean? 

‘I started Clean and Lean to reach more people. Clean and Lean is a life changing philosophy that not only works, but is achievable for everyone. We’re so proud that we have been able to help 1000’s of people all over the world to help change their bodies and change their lives.’

What tips would you give to people just starting out on the Clean and Lean diet, or starting to healthy eating? 

‘That any transformation that happens to your body begins by happening in your head. To do this, understand that you deserve to feel good and that shame and feeling guilty doesn’t work for anyone. Make small changes. Often people go for the all or nothing approach which can be unsustainable. Pick 2-3 a week to change and stick to it. A great place to start is with breakfast. Eat some healthy fats and protein to set yourself up for a Clean and Lean day!’ 

Can people adopt aspects of the Clean and Lean diet without going the whole way if it seems too extreme for them?

‘Yes this is a great way to start. Switching from milk chocolate to dark chocolate, or white bread for rye bread- these small changes begin to make you feel better.’

I suffered from terrible headaches when I tried the Clean and Lean diet, is there any way of stopping this? 

‘Yes, ensuring you nourish your body with plenty of nutrients to help support your body to detox. Drink plenty of water, add more fibre to your diet from foods such as flax seeds or our product, Ultimate Clean. Also, ensure you eat some healthy fats at each meal so you don’t feel tired; avocados, fish oil or coconut yogurt are all great sources. Giving up sugar or caffeine can trigger headaches and a slump in energy. Supporting your body with healthy sugars from foods, such as blueberries, are a great way to alleviate these symptoms. If giving up coffee is too much, try cutting back to one a day sprinkled with cinnamon to help regulate blood sugar levels.’ 

How does the Clean and Lean diet make you a better athlete? And how important is nutrition as part of training? 

‘A healthy body is a strong body. When we are healthy, our bodies have less inflammation which can cause soreness post-training. Ensuring we have adequate protein boosts our lean muscle mass, developing a long, lean toned body.’

Eating out is often the time when diets slide, how do you tackle eating out? 

‘Eating Clean and Lean at restaurants is easy, and one of my favourite ways of spending time with my wife and baby daughter. Choose some form of protein with greens, and some Clean and Lean carbs- this can be egg, chicken or steak with something like asparagus, broccoli, or sweet potato. Stay away from foods with hidden sugars like sauces and dressings. Clean and Lean is now available on kindle which makes it a great tool to take with you when you eat out for advice on healthier menu choice.’ 

I’ll be using CoYo in some upcoming recipes so watch out for them! I was actually really impressed with the flavour and texture of CoYo- it definitely didn’t taste like a health food! 

To be in with a chance of winning one of two Clean and Lean diet books, tell me what your favourite ‘health’ food that doesn’t taste like a ‘health’ food is…