Whole Foods vs. Processed Foods

by Forty Steps on March 07, 2022

The food that we put in our body matters.

We all know this, yet so many people struggle to practice healthy eating habits. We live in a world where convenient, fast, and easy options take priority over nutritious and tasty foods that double as great fuel. Despite this unfortunate truth, there are plenty of ways to make whole foods a part of your daily intake. There are many benefits to eating whole foods rather than processed foods.

FEELING GOOD

It is amazing how much your quality of life can be increased when you feel good! When eating a whole food diet, your body processes food much more efficiently. Food is fuel, therefore, whole foods benefit your body. Meanwhile, processed foods lack nutrients and cause more stress on the body. Whole foods are loaded with nutrients and vitamins that your body requires on a daily basis. When you start to replace processed foods with whole foods you will be surprised with how much better you will feel!


LOOKING GOOD

Most of us have a few extra pounds that we want to shed. The classic phrase “Abs are made in the kitchen” is no myth. Eating whole foods keeps you fuller longer. This is because processed foods lack the fiber found in whole foods, causing you to feel less full. The fuller you are, the less you will eat. In addition to that, whole foods are healthier for your digestive system, so it will be performing at an optimal level. The fact that whole foods are higher in fiber and more nutrient dense, means that the body requires more energy to process the food, which causes the body to burn more calories! The more calories you burn, the more fat you lose, which means those washboard abs will be here before you know it!


SAVING MONEY

Don’t let anyone convince you that “EaTiNg HeAlThY CoSts MoRe.” These people probably only eat ramen and cereal so their opinion holds no weight! When you shop for whole foods you don’t have to break the bank. Eating simple fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains tends to cost less than unhealthy processed foods. For example, a 1.5 lb bag of frozen chicken tenders will cost you approximately $10. That same amount of fresh raw chicken breast will cost you just under $2!


SWAP THEM OUT

Here are a few examples of common processed food items that you can easily swap out for a healthier whole food option.

Swap out a bowl of sugary cereal for a bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruit and cinnamon

Try swapping out salty snacks for lightly seasoned popcorn

Quit eating candy, and replace it with dried fruit

Get rid of the soda and drink water to stay hydrated

Air fry some potato slices and quit eating potato chips

Start making your own salad dressings to avoid all the sugar in processed dressings

Prep healthy whole food meals ahead of time to avoid fast food

Avoid margarine and substitute it with grass-fed butter

Satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh fruit or dark chocolate

Try honey in your coffee rather than sugar

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