Weight Loss Hack #2 Eliminate processed foods
As you may be aware the population around the world has become unhealthier and more overweight over the past few decades. In my opinion this is due to the convenience foods found in supermarkets. As bigger chains have squeezed out the local green grocers by offering cheaper products while cutting costs etc.
Most food needs some degree of processing, and not all processed foods are bad. However, chemically processed foods tend to be high in sugar, have artificial ingredients, refind carbs, and trans fat. Because of this, they are a major contributor to obesity and health issues.
Processed foods tend to taste good, last longer and are often inexpensive.
Processed foods, such as ready meals, baked goods, and processed meats, can have negative health effects if consumed too often. This is caused by manufacturing processing where chemicals and ingredients are added during the process.
Mechanical processing— such as grinding beef, heating vegetables, or pasteurizing foods — don’t necessarily make foods unhealthy and doesn’t affect the quality of the food if no chemicals or ingredients are added.
Chemically processed foods on the other hand can be extremely harmful if consumed in excess with little nutritional value, contain less dietary fibre and have fewer vitamins than whole foods. As they usually contain saturated fats, sugar, and salt. Also, they often contain refined ingredients, artificial substances, flavourings, colourings, sweeteners and preservatives.
Examples of processed foods to limit:
- frozen or ready meals
- baked goods, including pizza, cakes, and pastries
- packaged breads
- processed cheese products
- breakfast cereals
- crackers and crisps
- sweets and ice cream
- instant noodles and soups
- reconstituted meats, such as sausages, nuggets, fish fingers, and processed ham
- fizzy juice and other sweetened drinks
Below are several reasons why processed foods can increase the risk to a person’s health and item can be a separate topic of discussion as to why.
- Added sugar
- Artificial ingredients
- Low in nutrients
- Low in fibre
- Quick calories
- Trans fats
Summary
In recent decades, processed foods have become common in diets worldwide. However, eating large amounts of these foods can lead to increased health risks.
Avoiding processed foods is the best way to avoid unhealthy food choices and improve your health. I would recommend rebalancing your diet by replacing processed foods with whole foods, including grains, nuts, seeds, lean meats, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, legumes and using healthy cooking alternatives, such as coconut or olive oil.
Start buying your ingredients from the local produce sections of your local supermarket. Take your ingredients home where you wash and prepare them yourself, just like your grandparents did.
I guarantee by eliminating processed food and preparing your own food will make a dramatic improvement to your health and weight.
Let me know how you get on!
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