Garbage In, Garbage Out
The saying “garbage in, garbage out” (GIGO) refers to the quality of what comes out depends on the quality of what goes in. This idea originated in the computer science industry: if you enter bad or inaccurate data into a computer, you shouldn’t expect correct or meaningful results.
It’s useful to think of GIGO more broadly, however. What is the quality of what you are consuming - “taking in”? Conversely, what are you “putting out” in your relationships and circumstances around you? Is it “clean-ish”? Is the content you are consuming and are the people which you surround yourself providing thoughtful, uplifting, and intellectually nourishing fuel for your soul?
Your Mind is a Garden
Whatever you plant—and whatever you allow to take root and grow—will eventually produce some kind of fruit. You can’t plant weeds and expect roses.
Your Body: If you consistently eat highly processed, nutrient-poor foods, your body may not function at its best. Nourishing foods and non-toxic products help support better health.
Your Mind: If you constantly consume negative news, gossip, angry social media, or mindless entertainment, it can affect your thoughts, mood, and outlook. Conversely, if you fill your mind with uplifting books, meaningful conversations, scripture, inspiring music, and educational content, you’re more likely to think and act in healthy ways.
Your Relationships: If you surround yourself with people who are encouraging, honest, and kind, those qualities often influence your own.
In her NYE bestseller, Clean(ish)*, Gin Stephen’s provides encouraging practical guidance on clean eating and clean living. She emphasizes reducing exposure to toxins and improving health without striving for perfection. Stephens argues that our bodies are designed to detoxify themselves through the liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, and digestive system. Rather than buying expensive detox programs or pursuing an impossible “perfectly clean” lifestyle, she encourages becoming “clean-ish”— by making single better choices most of the time. Progress over perfection.
Eat real food whenever possible.
Emphasize minimally processed foods.
Reduce ultra-processed foods, artificial additives, refined seed oils, and excessive sugar.
Choose foods that are as close as possible to their natural form.
Lower your “toxic load.”
Be mindful of chemicals in household cleaners, cosmetics, fragrances, plastics, and food packaging.
You don’t have to replace everything overnight—make gradual swaps as products run out and your budget allows.
Don’t chase perfection.
Stephens repeatedly emphasizes that stress over eating “perfectly” can be counterproductive.
Support your body’s natural detoxification.
Prioritize sleep.
Stay hydrated.
Eat plenty of fiber and nutrient-rich foods.
Exercise regularly.
Allow your body’s own systems to do the work they are designed to do.
Consider intermittent fasting to allow the body’s digestive systems periods of rest and repair.
Mental Nutrition
But what about the toxic load in our minds? Stephens stops short and does not broach this question. What we consume matters! Mental nutrition is as important as physical nutrition. Just as we choose wholesome food and safer products for our bodies, we can also choose books, television, music, online content, and conversations that cultivate wisdom, peace, hope, and joy.
Does your overall “diet” of what you consume leave you with more fear, anger, envy, and distraction—or with more wisdom, peace, courage, and compassion? Consider this simple “mental nutrition” inventory:
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Scripture and prayer
Thoughtful books
Meaningful conversations
Inspiring documentaries
Music that lifts your spirit
Time in nature
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Doomscrolling
Constant outrage and conflict
Gossip
Sensationalized entertainment
Content that leaves you anxious or cynical
Excessive screen time
What do you think of these “clean-ish”alternatives?
Consuming Clean
More than a decade ago, I stopped listening to the early morning local news. In the city where I lived, every day began with these two headlines: how many people were shot and killed overnight, and how many crashes were on the expressways for the morning commute. I realized that listening to these stats started my day with anxiety and stress. So I just stopped. I stopped listening to doom and gloom and swapped that early morning report with content on my Hallow app.
I also stopped consuming violence on TV. My husband likes to watch what I call “shoot ‘em up, bang ‘em up” shows. I find these and sports like boxing, (where you know someone is going to get hurt) very difficult to watch and even more challenging to forget. I choose not to consume content that does not serve me. This idea of limiting consumption of dark or destructive content has been enlightening and aligns with these sacred truths:
Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Philippians 4:8: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely…think about such things.”
These passages encourage us to be intentional about what we allow into our minds and hearts because it can shape our disposition and charge our actions.
Beauty In, Beauty Out.
Be Well ❤️
Kelly
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Healthy living isn't just about the food on your plate. It's also about what you allow into your mind and heart. Discover how practicing "clean consuming" can cultivate greater peace, wisdom, and intentional living.