Packaged and processed foods are as detrimental to your health as they are to your waistline. Not only do most of these foods have high calories, but they have additives and preservatives that are not only hard to pronounce, but hard for our bodies to digest as well. Processed foods are those foods that have gone through intense alteration to change them from their natural state, typically for convenience purposes.
When we think of processed foods, we think of those foods that are high in trans fats like cookies, packaged cakes, packaged meals like frozen dinners. It is interesting to point out though that a vast amount of the food we eat that is considered healthy, has gone through some sort of processing method. Some examples of healthy processed foods:
- Milk - milk has gone through processing by the fact that it has been heated to a certain degree in order to kill the bacteria. Pasterised, homogenized milk has gone through even further processing by not only killing off the bacteria, but it has been homogenized to keep the fats from separating.
- Fruit juice - fruit juice is another example of a processed food as it has been altered from its natural state. Fortified fruit juice has been through further processing.
- Quick cooking oats -this type of oats has been processed for the intention of making it more convenient for the consumer.
Processed also come in very unhealthy forms and these are the ones that are harmful to our health and are to be avoided.
Ditch Unwholesome, Unhealthy Foods
Unhealthy, processed foods need to be avoided. They are characteristically high in trans fats, sodium and sugars. The following are examples of these foods:
- Chips
- Chocolate
- Lollies and sweets
- Packaged cakes
- Breakfast cereals high in sugar
- Processed meat - some studies suggest that by consuming processed meats, your chances of certain cancers may be increased. Processed meats may also be high in sodium and saturated fats.
- Frozen dinners
- Biscuits
- Potato chips
For some of us, the best way to ensure optimal health is to cook at home where you know that everything is made from real and fresh ingredients.
It is important to check the nutrition label on each product that you buy. Unprocessed, natural foods are one of the better options to achieve uncompromised heath.
For further advice and information with regards to processed foods, contact your local nutritionist.
Originally published on Sep 16, 2013
