Let’s go fresh: Processed foods to avoid Pt I

We are what we consume, and our body is our temple. Because our eating habits define us, it's essential to eat healthier, and eating fresh is especially vital nowadays. However, due to our hectic daily schedules, it is impossible for us to prepare fresh meals every day. As a result, eating processed foods is often the shortest method of meal preparation. Most western diets are built on processed meals, and most foods require some level of processing that is not harmful to the body. Chemically processed foods, also referred to as ultra-processed foods, include a lot of sugar, artificial chemicals, refined carbs, and trans fats. Processed foods are also a significant contributor to obesity.

But, as we always say, everything in moderation. Let’s chat about how to avoid processed foods, not that you shouldn't consume them, but that you should eat them in moderation and combine them with better alternatives.

Processed meat

Although meat is considered a nutritionally dense food, we make bad choices by including processed meats such as bacon, pepperoni, and sausages in our regular meals. Processed meat consumption increases the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, and heart disease. Bacon has a high salt content, which may lead to high blood pressure. Processed meats are high in lipids, which may lead to cancer and insulin resistance. Processed meats are frequently cooked at high temperatures, increasing the chances of cancer-causing chemicals being present.

Alternative: Fresh meat is always preferable, but if it isn't accessible, processed meat with minimum chemicals should suffice. Bacon can also be replaced with avocado.

Microwave Popcorn

I absolutely love popcorn, and I'm sure most of you will agree that there's simply something about eating popcorn while watching a movie. There's nothing wrong with popcorn, but microwaved popcorn includes an excessive amount of butter and salt. Even if we pick a diet popcorn that is low in sodium and butter, Perfluoroalkyls, a type of chemical found in popcorn bags, can cause health problems such as impaired kidney function and poor semen quality. 

Alternative: Simply buy popcorn corn kernels and make your own popcorn, which is not only less time consuming but also allows us to tailor the amount of butter, salt, and other seasonings used, resulting in perfluoroalkyl-free popcorn.

Sugary drinks

Most modern diets are rich in added sugar, which we all know is detrimental to health on many levels. But some sources of sugar are worse than others, and sweetened drinks are the worst. Firstly, it may not make you feel full and plays a big factor in weight gain, where the sugar turns into fat in your liver, can increase belly fat, the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other serious disorders including obesity.

Alternative: One of the finest choices is homemade flavored water, which contains natural fruit sugar and no artificial sweetener. A delightful drink can be made by simply slicing some fruit and placing them in water. Alternatives include iced tea, sparkling water, lemonade, fresh vegetable juice, and smoothies.

Potato Chips and French fries

This comes as no surprise; we all know that eating chips and fries leads to weight gain. The most popular snack, easily accessible and bingeable, and unquestionably naughty. It's acceptable to have it once in a while, but it usually lacks nutrition and is rich in calories and sodium, but it may be a game changer if you cook it yourself.

Alternative: Slicing a potato into fry-size pieces with the skin on, drizzling it with olive oil, and roasting it in the oven You can also reduce the overall salt amount by seasoning with herbs like rosemary.  Yum!

Fruit snacks

Gummy bears and fruit snacks are delicious, but they are harmful for our teeth and stomach. Artificial sweeteners may cause weight gain, cavities, and an increased risk of diabetes.

Alternative: Real fruit is the greatest option for fruit snacks. It contains natural sugar and is the finest way to receive necessary vitamins and minerals.

Keep an eye out for part two, which will include five more processed foods to avoid. And keep in mind, everything in moderation, especially moderation. Share your tips for avoiding processed foods @UrbanBodyFix.