The one area that all health and diet experts agree on is the elimination or great reduction of processed foods. The food additives, chemicals, artificial sweeteners, sugar and sugar additives, colorings, flavors, salt, genetically modified ingredients, wheat, soy, corn, canola, grain-flours, excess of simple sugars, and more has degraded our health and our food system. Many believe these hard-to-digest packaged foods are not really food at all.

 Whether you follow a meat diet, low carb, vegetarian, vegan or other diet, greatly reducing our dependence on processed foods is essential to our health. This means moving away from packaged foods and preparing whole foods (without ingredient lists). Most of us want to prepare healthy food for our families yet feel it takes more time, effort and money to learn and prepare these meals.

 Myths:

Myth: It’s too expensive to eat healthy. Truth: processed, convenient foods are expensive especially when you consider the amount of nutrition you are giving your body.

Myth: making food from scratch will take too long! Truth: It doesn’t have to. There may be a learning curve as you get more efficient and figure out your tips of leftovers, freezing for another meal, etc. Adding more time to your family’s diet will pay off in the long run. Spend as little as 30min preparing a healthy dinner.

Myth: it’s too difficult for my kitchen skills. Truth: Delicious whole foods can be very simple without sacrificing taste. Learning some basic skills may take a bit of time up front practicing but you will gain confidence and feel empowered to take control of your family’s health in no time at all.

Myth: Eating healthy is boring and tasteless. Truth: Just wait! Raw broccoli and rice cakes don’t taste good. I agree. Healthy foods can be delicious comforting foods. And it isn’t about being perfect. You can still go out and enjoy ice cream if you care to. What you do at home the majority of the time is going to make a huge difference on your health! Progress, not perfection.

 Moving to a whole foods diet may give you:

• Empty space in your pantries

• Savings preparing whole foods

• Meals that your body recognizes as real food

• Health improvements and improved digestion

• Taking control of your health

• Being a family role model of health

• Confidence to prepare meals intuitively

 

Make a list of convenience foods you eat today and slowly incorporate changes:

• Breakfasts: Cereal,Pop tarts,Waffles,Toast

• Drinks: Milks,Flavored water,Soda,Juice

• Lunches: Canned foods (ravioli, etc.),Bread/sandwiches,Condiments (salad dressing, ketchup, mayo, etc.), Meat and cheese slices

• Snacks: Chips,Crackers,Cookies,Bars

• Dinners: Frozen or boxed meals,Sauces,Pasta,

If you are interested in transitioning from processed foods to whole foods with a small group, check out an 8wk program [here]