I’m sure you have heard that processed foods are bad for you and that you should avoid them at all costs…
But are processed foods really as bad as they’re made out to be?
From canned soups and pre-packaged snacks to frozen pizzas, processed foods undergo various levels of tinkering before landing on the shelves of our local grocery stores. It is essential to understand how these products are manufactured, what ingredients they contain, and how they may impact our health.
While some processed options may raise concerns due to their hefty doses of additives, preservatives, and modified and refined ingredients, not every processed product falls into the same category. Certain processed foods can be inflammatory and affect mood, weight retention, joint pain, blood sugar levels, and more.
By reading ingredient labels, recognizing the potential health implications of certain additives, and seeking out minimally processed alternatives, we can comprehensively understand processed foods. Here are some tips, tricks, and advice to help you better understand processed foods.
Read the Labels 
Scan for familiar and pronounceable ingredients and those you could find in your kitchen, as these are typically indicative of minimally processed foods.
Limit modified food starches and extracts 
Modified food starches are highly processed and can especially affect satiety and mood.
Mind Your Portions 
It’s okay—we’re all human. But be mindful of how much processed food you consume.
Cook at Home one meal more than you do now 
Prepare meals from scratch using fresh, wholesome ingredients whenever you can. Remember to add fresh or dried herbs for flavor!
Know Your DNA 
Your DNA gives valuable information about how your body handles different nutrients, including those in processed foods. Whether it’s pinpointing your tolerance levels for specific additives and the gut microbiome, identifying potential triggers for inflammation, or uncovering genetic predispositions to specific health conditions aggravated by processed foods, there are clues in your unique code.
Understanding your DNA can give you valuable information about how your body handles different nutrients, including those in processed foods. Let’s explore how your unique genetic makeup can guide your dietary choices for optimal well-being! Book a complimentary consultation with me.
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