LiVe Well
By Liz Blike
Apr 26, 2019
You probably know processed foods are loaded with fat, salt, sugar, and chemicals. They contribute to chronic diseases such as diabetes, certain types of cancer, and heart disease.
But processed foods taste good. They’re convenient. They’re everywhere. They’re a staple for many people.
So how can you reduce your intake of processed food? Here are few ideas on how to cut back and give your diet a healthy reboot.
Your taste buds will need time to adjust when you cut back on processed items and start eating real, whole foods.
Start small. Stop buying pre-made freezer meals from the grocery store. After a few weeks you may be ready to give up something else. Over time your taste buds will acclimate, and you’ll be able to fully enjoy whole foods and their flavors without pining away for their processed counterparts.
Remember to be a savvy shopper and read food labels. Some products labeled as “healthy” may not actually have any health benefits at all. Watch out for things like artificial colors or flavors, additives, or artificial sweeteners.
Cutting processed foods from your diet is a great way to improve your health in the long run. It can be difficult to cut out the convenience processed foods give you, but when you plan ahead and learn to love cooking, you’ll have success!