Processed foods include fast foods, packaged and frozen meals and most snack foods. Besides containing excess sugars, fats and sodium, they are usually higher in calories, nutrient deficient and have been shown to contain toxic ingredients! These all contribute to obesity, diabetes, various cancers, heart and cardiovascular issues.
Many people find it hard to resist processed foods. Believe it or not, the additives that enhance the flavour and shelf life actually alter your taste buds and can create an addiction to the sugars, fats, and salt! This is by design as it will increase the profit of the manufacturer. The processing allows them to use inexpensive ingredients including high fructose corn syrup etc., they are easy to prepare and well... tasty! Because processed foods are cheaper to manufacture, they often are often are served in larger quantities and are often over packaged which also puts a strain on our environment.
Some further examples of processed foods we eat that we may think are actually healthy for us include;
- Processed nuts are high in sodium and often contain MSG.
- Fat free ice cream needs thickening agents which gives a processed texture and flavor and often is not less calories since more sugar is added to enhance flavor.
- Diet supermarket foods contain excess salt for flavor.
- Processed chicken in fast food and frozen products is often cooked in a high sodium marinade and often injected with a sodium solution to keep the meat moist.
- Boxed grains with flavored packages such as rice or couscous have excess sodium.
- Fat free cottage cheese contains excess salt to obtain the curds and whey consistency.
- White empty carbs, fried foods, processed cheese, sugar beverages and desserts are all loaded with calories, sugar and fats.
Ideally, it is best to choose foods in their natural form. For instance, buying fresh fruits and veggies is best. If this is not an option, choose frozen over canned. If buying frozen vegetables or fruits, avoid those with sauces which usually contain high amounts of extra sugars and fats to enhance flavour. Foods found in their natural state contain vital macro and micro nutrients that our bodies can readily process more efficiently. Don't get me wrong... I'm not saying we all have to move into the woods of Northern Maine and hug trees, eat granola and berries... I'm saying being aware of our processed food intake and limiting or at the very least cutting back may will not only help drop that dreaded body fat we all struggle with but will also allow us to become more fit and have less disease.