Processed Foods - What Not To Eat

When we talk of processed foods we means foods that have been changed from their natural state. If it's not fresh and pure, it's processed.

Not all processed foods are bad for you necessarily, though some people may question this. For example, milk is processed before it reaches the consumer. Is milk bad for your health? Some say yes, some say no. We see more and more people substituting soy milk in place of our traditional cows milk for that reason. Ah, but that soy milk too is processed from its natural state, isn't it? But, the soy doesn't contain the fat that milk does. Good point.

We'll talk more about each one more in depth at a later time, but today we'll look at some of the kinds of foods to stay away from.

Processed foods contains a LOT of chemical additives and 'preservatives' by the manufacturers. Things like salt (sodium), sugar, nitrites, sulfur dioxide, trans fats, saturated fats, sodium benzoate, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, monosodium glutamate (msg), are among them. There are more, many more, chemicals you ingest by eating this junk. Listed in the ingredients of most all packaged foods are words many of us cannot even pronounce. What is this stuff anyway, and why are they putting it in my food? good question.

Take for example things like canned foods, sugary cereals, white bread, processed meats (packaged meats), potatoe chips, white rice, ice cream, candy, frozen entrees, etc. Have you ever read the labels closely? It's scarey.

Ever look at the amount of sodium in a can of soup (any flavor, and brand)? Granted, some manufacturers are finally beginning to use sea salt, but still, there's way too much sodium in most canned food, even plain vegetables in a can.

What about fat content? Suppose you've decided to go on a low fat diet, whether for weight loss, high cholsterol, or whatever reason. You tend to buy more low fat foods, rights? Look closely at the label! It seems in many cases, the lower the fat content, the higher the sugar content. Seriously, read the labels.

As for processed meats, well let's just say that if you consume it on a frequent basis, you could be a heart attack waiting to happen. And that's only the beginning. So think twice the next time you reach for that bologna sandwich or hot dog.

Not long ago I was up late one night watching David Letterman. His guest was Jack Lalanne. I remember seeing him on tv when I was a kid. He was and still is somewhat a fitness guru and all around health nut, as some would say.

Jack is in his 90's and in extremely good health and physical condition. Dave asked him his secret. Jacks' answer was exercise, of course, but also how he eats. As for his diet, he put it this way... "if man makes it, I don't eat it."

So what can you do to make your diet healthier? Replace convenience and junk foods with fresh, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, seafood, poultry, etc. Your body will thank you for it.