Whole Foods: A Wise Investment In Your Health.

The benefits of eating whole foods and avoiding processed foods

A healthy diet is the foundation of good health.

Whole foods Vs Processed foods

Whole foods are essentially unprocessed or only minimally processed, while processed foods are often dramatically transformed from their natural form. Because whole foods are less processed, they retain more of their natural nutrients, fiber, and other important components.

They're also less energy dense, which means you get more nutrition per calorie. And they typically require more time to prepare, since they're closer to their natural form.

Examples of whole and processed Foods;

Whole foods.

1. Fresh fruits and vegetables

2. Whole grains, like brown rice and oats

3. Legumes, such as beans and lentils

4. Nuts and seeds

5. Unprocessed meats, such as grass-fed beef or pasture-raised chicken.

Processed Foods.

1. Refined grains, such as white flour and white rice

2. Sugary drinks, such as soda and sweetened iced tea

3. Processed meats, such as hot dogs and bacon

4. Fried foods, such as French fries and fried chicken

5. Candy and other sweets, such as cake and cookies

5 Reasons to Ditch Processed Foods for Whole Foods

1. Whole foods are more nutritious, since they're less processed and retain more of their natural vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

2. Whole foods help to maintain a healthy weight, since they're less energy dense and more filling.

3. Whole foods reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

4. Whole foods improve gut health, since they contain more prebiotics and fiber to feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

5. Whole foods boost your mood and energy levels, since they're rich in nutrients.

How to Make the Switch to Whole Foods in 5 Easy Steps.

1. Start with a small, manageable change. For example, try replacing one packaged snack per day with a whole food snack.

2. Experiment with new recipes that feature whole foods. There are tons of easy, delicious recipes available online or in cookbooks.

3. Give yourself time to adjust to the change. It can take time to develop new habits and tastes. Be patient and persistent.

4. Plan ahead and prepare whole foods for easy grab-and-go meals. Eg-Make a big salad and portion it into smaller containers so you can grab a healthy, filling lunch on the go.

5. Find whole foods that you enjoy and can make part of your daily routine. Finding whole foods that you love and that are convenient for your lifestyle is key to making them a regular part of your diet. Maybe you love bananas, so you can grab one to eat on your way to work. Or perhaps you love overnight oats, so you can prep them ahead of time and enjoy a healthy breakfast.

 

7 Simple Steps to Make Whole Foods a Part of Your Daily Routine

1. Make a list of whole foods that you love and are convenient for your lifestyle.

2. Dedicate some time on the weekend to prep some whole foods for the week.

3. Stock your fridge, freezer, and pantry with whole foods so they're always on hand.

4. Make a menu for the week that includes at least one whole food with each meal.

5. Plan ahead for busy days by prepping grab-and-go whole food snacks.

6. Experiment with new whole foods and recipes to keep things interesting.

7. Enjoy your whole foods-healthy eating is about more than just nutrition, it's also about pleasure and enjoyment!

 Why Whole Foods Are Better for Your Health (and Your Wallet)

1. Whole foods are packed with nutrients.

2. Whole foods are filling.

3. Whole foods reduce the risk of disease.

4. Whole foods help you maintain a healthy weight.

5. Whole foods boost your energy levels.

6. Whole foods help you sleep better.

7. Whole foods improve your mood.

8. Whole foods more sustainable.

9. Whole foods are often cheaper than processed foods.

10. Whole foods are delicious and enjoyable.