Number 3 of 10 tips to transition to a healthier lifestlyle and weight

Number 3 of 10 tips to transition to a healthier lifestyle and weight.

3. Get Real. I mean get real about eating whole foods. Also get real about what processed foods are doing to your health and body. Our bodies are designed to eat food and I do mean food. That seems obvious except for the fact that we don't do it. I am not referring to what Michael Pollan , the modern day food hero and activist, would say "tasty food-like substances". Those over-processed "food-like substances" are lacking in any nutrients, vitamins and minerals that maintain a healthy body or weight. Yeah, I know you love the taste of processed food but let's just get real about what processed foods do to your body.

A. Obesity: The World Health Organization is blaming processed foods for the rise of obesity and degenerative diseases around the globe.

B. Heart Disease: Processed foods are generally high in trans fats which lead to Heart Disease. This fat is dangerous. It raises your LDL Cholesterol (you want that number low) and lowers your HDL (you want that number high). Get trans fats out of your diet.

C. Stroke: Processed foods are literally full of salt. Too much salt is linked to high blood pressure. The general recommendation for salt intake is around 6 grams but the average intake is 9 to 10 grams of salt. When you reduce or cut out processed food in your diet, you are reducing a large amount of your salt intake and your chances of developing high blood pressure which can lead to a stroke.

D. Diabetes: Processed food is often full of High Fructose Corn Syrup and other hidden refined sugars. Diets full of these refined sugars are leading contributors to Type II Diabetes. The complications of this disease can be devastating and fatal. Type II Diabetes can be avoided with a healthy lifestyle full of healthy real foods and exercise.

E. Cancer: A seven year study by the University of Hawaii showed that people who ate processed meats like hot dogs were 56% more likely to get pancreatic cancer. Another similar Canadian study in men found that these men were more likely to get prostate cancer. A study in Mexico showed women who got more of their food from refined carbohydrates were 57% more like to get breast cancer. The great news here is consuming foods high in antioxidants, like green tea, fruits and vegetables, can reduce the risk of  cancer.

F. Other Issues: Processed foods can have an immediate effect on your body as well. Some of those can be bloating, indigestion, acid reflux, lethargy, poor sleep, acne, and many more.

Here are some of the enemies of your health that are in processed foods that lead to many of these health problems:

• High fructose corn syrup
• Other refined sugars
• Acrylamide (carcinogen found in fried food)
• Nitrates
• MSG
• Large quantities of salt
• Food colorings and dyes
• Trans Fat
• Mystery Ingredients (who knows what that stuff is or what is does to your body)

Here are some benefits to consistently consuming real whole foods in your life. The real foods I mean are those you still can recognize where it came from like fruits, vegetables, baked chicken and fish, yogurt, honey, nuts, whole grains and legumes.

• Weight Loss
• Glowing Clear Skin
• Antioxidants that prevent disease
• Longevity
• A feeling of wellness
• Energy
• Brain Clarity
• Good Sleep
• Vitality
• Strong Memory
• Self Confidence
• Fitting into your clothes
• Good Balance
• Physical Strength
• Producing more at work
• Improved Mood
• A grateful digestive system
• Improved eyesight
• Stronger nails
• Healthy Hair

So take a moment when you go to prepare for your next meal or pick that item off the menu at the restaurant and think:  what can I eat that is really food?