Lagos isn’t exactly built for clean eating. Between the smoke from suya stands and the unspoken rule that every gathering must involve food, eating “clean” can feel like a full-time job. But it’s not impossible. Clean eating in a city that loves its jollof — and by that, we mean all things rich, spicy, and unapologetically indulgent — just takes strategy, not sacrifice.
Here’s how to keep your health goals intact without losing your Lagos flavour:
1. Don’t Demonize the Jollof — Redefine It
Clean eating isn’t about cutting out all your favourites; it’s about reimagining them. Jollof (figuratively speaking) represents our city’s love for flavour — and that doesn’t have to change. Swap the refined rice for brown rice or quinoa once in a while. Choose grilled over fried proteins. Load up your stew with fresh tomatoes and less oil. Lagos meals don’t have to be bland to be balanced.
2. Prep Like a Boss
If you don’t plan, Lagos will plan for you — and that plan usually involves puff-puff, meat pie, or a random shawarma on your commute. Clean eating starts with preparation. Meal-prep your proteins, chop veggies in advance, or pack healthy snacks for the road. When you’ve got options that travel well, temptation doesn’t stand a chance.
3. Befriend the Market Woman
Forget fancy organic stores; your local market is a goldmine of clean ingredients. The woman who sells ugwu, tomatoes, and fish knows freshness better than any label. Buy local, seasonal produce — not just because it’s cheaper, but because it’s cleaner. The closer your food is to its natural state, the better.
4. Watch the Oil — Lagos Style
We love our oil like we love our gossip — plenty. But it’s often the hidden culprit behind sluggishness and bloating. Start by measuring your oil instead of free-pouring it. Use spray bottles if you have to. And when eating out, choose grilled or oven-baked options over deep-fried. A little oil gives life; too much steals it.
5. Hydration Is Not Overrated
In a city where, at its peak, the heat alone can make you dizzy, water should be your best friend. Most of us mistake dehydration for hunger and end up snacking unnecessarily. Carry a water bottle everywhere. Infuse it with cucumber or lemon if you need to make it fancy — this is Lagos, after all.
6. Learn the Art of Saying “No, Thanks”
Food is love here, and saying no to it can feel like rejecting affection. But you can politely decline the extra serving of fried yam without hurting anyone’s feelings. Practice boundary eating — eat to satisfaction, not obligation. And if someone insists, smile and say, “I’m pacing myself.” It’s a friendly way of saying, “Please, I’m full.”
7. Don’t Skip Meals (You’re Not Punishing Anyone)
Skipping breakfast is practically a Lagos tradition, but it does more harm than good. It slows your metabolism and makes you overeat later. Eat small, consistent meals — a smoothie, oats, or even akara and pap done right can set you up for the day. Clean eating isn’t starvation; it’s smart nourishment.
8. Make Peace with Street Food — Carefully
Street food isn’t the enemy; ignorance is. You can enjoy suya, boli, or roasted corn without guilt. Just be selective: look for vendors who keep things clean, use minimal oil, and cook fresh. Sometimes, the best “clean” meal is the one made in front of you, not reheated behind a counter.
9. Know Your Seasoning
Let’s talk about cubes. They’re flavourful, yes, but also packed with sodium and additives. Replace some of them with fresh spices — ginger, garlic, thyme, scent leaves. Lagos markets have them in abundance, and they elevate your cooking naturally. Your taste buds will adjust faster than you think.
10. Don’t Aim for Perfect — Aim for Consistent
You’ll slip sometimes — maybe even often. There’ll be weddings, office lunches, nights when pizza just feels right. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. A salad for lunch after a weekend of small chops is still a win. Clean eating isn’t a diet; it’s a lifestyle that fits around your real life — not one that punishes it.
