I wanted to drop in for a quick chat about a concern I've been noticing among many of my patients – a reliance on processed foods. Some of you might not even be aware of what falls under this category, so let's break it down.
I've been hearing about diets filled with fat-free cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, cheese, protein shakes, powdered peanut butter, and protein chips. Now, don't get me wrong; indulging in these occasionally is fine, but they shouldn't be the backbone of our nutrition. Our bodies thrive on real, whole foods designed to fuel us optimally, not on what often feels like plastic with an abundance of chemicals.
When I envision people eating, I picture them consuming food that comes straight from the land – did it swim, fly, or run? Did it grow from the ground? If you find yourself reaching for a lot of items in bags, boxes, cans, or containers, chances are it's not the most wholesome choice.
I'm not advocating for a complete elimination of processed foods, but I've witnessed incredible transformations when individuals swap these convenient options for whole foods. Whole foods are those with just one ingredient – an apple, broccoli, chicken, turkey – you get the drift. Not applesauce, not apple chips, not vegetable chips, but actual vegetables and fruits.
So, here's a challenge for you this upcoming week. Head to the grocery store and try to cut back on processed foods like chips and yogurts. Let's focus on consuming whole foods and see how it affects your digestion, blood sugar balance, and overall well-being. Whole foods digest differently, providing sustained energy and positive changes in both physique and how you feel.
Give it a shot and let me know how your week goes. I'll catch you in the next update on this journey to a healthier, whole-food-filled lifestyle!