Let’s Go Fresh: Processed Foods to Avoid Pt. II

We already discussed how processed foods might be detrimental if consumed in excess. However, one of the reasons why consumers like to buy processed meals is because they are not only conveniently accessible but also easy to stock. And, especially during a pandemic, we all like to stock up on food, even processed foods. Those of us that eat well, exercise, and avoid unhealthy foods are also the same people who began to shop differently during the pandemic, stockpiling more processed food for accessibility. However, now that things are improving, we can transition to a more natural diet and avoid processed foods. Urban Body Fix is always here to inspire you, so today we'll discuss five additional processed foods to avoid or consume less of, along with their alternatives.

Candy bars

We all know that candy bars are naughty, but we can't help ourselves because we all have lovely memories associated with them, from trick or treat to birthdays. Although they are a delicious treat, they can be damaging to our teeth as well as our stomach, leading to weight gain. Furthermore, they do not satisfy our hunger and entice us to consume more. They can also lead to diabetes... Yikes!

Alternatives: Let us not overindulge on candy and only eat it as a treat. Candy bar substitutes include cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and cacao nibs. Almond sprinkled cocoa is the ideal for a crispy snack.

Sweet coffee drinks

Most people are aware that consuming too many carbonated drinks is harmful for you, but it has also been established that coffee is beneficial to your health. However, sugary coffee, such as coffees containing a high amount of sugar, creamers, syrup, and additional sugars, are commonly added to make your beverage fancier and taste fantastic, but they are undoubtedly hazardous to our bodies. It’s challenging to break the habit of drinking sugary drinks once our bodies have become accustomed to them, especially if they are consumed on a daily basis. Sugar can contribute to weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, fluctuating energy levels, and depression.

Alternative: There isn't much else to do besides watch how much sugar you consume. Managing your sugar intake can change the game entirely. You should also attempt to get high quality black coffee, which typically tastes wonderful without any additional sugars or creamers.

 Processed cheese

Processed cheese is not pure cheese. It's usually half cheese and half non-cheese components. Salt, food colors, preservatives, additional dairy, emulsifiers, and other artificial ingredients are examples of extra ingredients. The actual cheese in the mix has altered dramatically in terms of flavor and texture by the time the extra ingredients are added.

Alternative: Instead, eat real cheese. Feta, mozzarella, and cottage cheese are examples of healthy cheeses. Many vegan dairy substitutes are also viable options.

Sugary snacks (cookies & pastries)

Yes, sugary desserts are harmful for you if you eat them daily. These foods are high in calories but contain virtually no nutrients. While they are certainly tasty, eating them in your diet is not beneficial to your health. They have relatively little nutritional content, so you aren't receiving anything when you eat them, besides a quick sugar high. Refined sugar, white flour, and trans fats are prominent ingredients in these sweets, which not only add empty calories but can also lead to obesity and other health issues like diabetes.

Alternative: Simply bake your own cookies and pastries and eliminate the sugar. Reduce your intake of sugary snacks and replace them with Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, or dark chocolate.

Low fat yogurt

Eating the appropriate kind of yogurt can be a healthy option, but low-fat yogurt isn't really. Much of the pleasant flavor in dairy products originates from fat, this imbalance is frequently compensated for with a generous amount of added sugar. Additionally, the high fat content of dairy products contributes to much of the health benefits. When you remove all of the fat, you remove many of the nutrients. Instead natural fats are replaced with unhealthy ingredients.

Alternative: Choose full-fat, normal yogurt with live or active cultures (probiotics). Buy brands that come from grass-fed cows if feasible.

So, the next time you go to a grocery store and crave processed food, remember to check nutrition labels, to avoid anything high in fats, sugar and chemicals and go fresh. Remember, Everything in moderation, especially moderation.

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