Time To Make Some Changes To Your Diet

The whole diet phase seems to be ever changing these days.  Gluten free.  Sugar free.  Soon to be trans-fat free.  Eventually it will all be flavor free.  Am I right? 

We all try to be careful of what we eat…well, I’ll say many of us.  I think all the rules go out the window when the fair is in town.

The big thing now is the processed foods and that we need to avoid them if possible.  Look around you, most food is processed.  The word is out, folks, if we don’t change the way we eat now, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, will be even more commonplace than it is now, and we have convenience to blame.

I truly believe that the unhealthy processed food diet that many people are accustomed today is the reason why a significant portion of the population is growing sicker and fatter. You may be thinking, “How does eating unhealthy processed food truly impact my health?” Well, wonder no more – here are the reasons why:

1. They are high in sugar and/or high fructose corn syrup, which programs your body to consume more calories and store fat.
2. You tend to overeat when you eat processed foods. Junk foods “override” your body’s natural intrinsic regulator, and as a result, can stimulate a strong rewards response in your brain that causes you to overeat.    
3. They are loaded with artificial ingredients. The artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and texturants in these unhealthy foods are touted to be “safe,” but can actually lead to many health problems, according to numerous studies
4. Processed foods are typically high in refined carbohydrates that break down to sugar in your body, and are low in nutrients including fiber. 
5. Processed foods are often high in trans fats and processed vegetable oils. These are known to promote inflammation, which is a hallmark of most chronic and/or serious diseases.
6. You digest processed foods with less energy and time. Not only can you eat processed foods faster (think of the difference between chewing a piece of broccoli and munching on a potato chip), but your body also digests them quicker.
7. These unhealthy foods are ADDICTING. Processed foods stimulate dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good even though the food lacks fiber and nutrients. This can lead to excessive food cravings and, ultimately, food addiction.

When you are out shopping for wholesome foods, keep these guidelines in mind to help you determine truly healthful and high-quality fares:

• It’s grown without chemical fertilizers and pesticides
• It’s fresh (However, if you need to choose between wilted organic produce or fresh conventional produce, I advise choosing the latter as freshness is important for optimal nutrient content)
• It’s not genetically engineered
• It has no antibiotics, hormones, and other drugs
• It did not come from a factory farm
• It’s grown with the laws of nature in mind
• It’s grown sustainably

But beware, because there are some unhealthy foods that are masquerading as wholesome, nutritious choices that can actually damage your health.

Here is a list of processed foods that you should avoid at all costs.

• The single most damaging canned food you should stop buying
• The barbecue favorite that significantly raises your risk of various cancers
• Why margarine CANNOT be considered a substitute for wholesome raw butter
• The difference between processed table salt and unrefined, all-natural sea salt

I know it is hard to make these changes all at once.  Once again, we, as Americans, we’re all about convenience.  Maybe make changes a little at a time and keep your system from going into complete shock.