For example, would the grocery store or your favorite restaurant sell food that could kill you? I mean, what really makes some food healthy and some dangerous—especially if it’s gluten-free, made from natural ingredients, or appears just like something you’d make at home.
Navigating nutrition is never easy. But remember, grocers and restaurants aren’t in the business of healthcare. And unlike the cigarettes some sell, there are no warning labels on food or menus.
Eating processed food is a common denominator in poor health. It is known to increase inflammation and heavily contribute to conditions like type-2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and more.
Eating less of it is likely to make a substantial difference in your overall health and quality of life.
So, what do people mean when they talk about processed food? Put simply, it’s most of the boxed food in the aisles at your grocery store. Yes, it’s sweets and snacks like chocolate, chips, and candy, but it’s also prepared dinners, frozen fries, hot dogs, and boxed burgers. Even your favorite gluten-free organic cookies are highly processed.
At virtually every chain restaurant, you’re getting processed food, the same with a lot of diners. Fast food is as processed as it gets.
You can avoid it by sticking to the perimeter of the grocery store when you shop. Focusing on produce, fresh meat, dairy, and whole grains is the best way to slash processed foods. Homemade burgers and potato wedges, for example, are a much better alternative to frozen boxed burgers and fries.
Cutting processed food also means cooking at home more often and changing the way you snack. It might take some getting used to; your tastebuds will have to adjust in the coming weeks, but the payoff is worth it!