If I asked you to name a group of real food vs. processed food, what foods would you include?
Real foods are otherwise known as whole foods that have not been processed in any way. Whole foods are unprocessed, grown, unrefined foods full of essential nutrients that we must consume through our diet in order to perform and function properly. Whole foods do not need labels that include unpronounceable ingredients or loads of sugars. Whole foods are simply fresh, untouched, real food.
In comparison, processed foods are thought of having “empty calories”. Empty calories means that the food offers no real essential nutrients because of the cooking and preparation process. Processed food contains more salt and sugars and overtime can lead to chronic illnesses like high blood cholesterol, heart disease, and Type 2 Diabetes.
Eating foods with the skin or shells left on is considered a whole food because of the extra nutrients provided. Whole milk, cheese, or yogurt are better options when compared to 2% milk where the preparation process takes out nutrients and leaves you with only 2% fat for example. Consuming as many different types of nutrients throughout your diet provides a variety of benefits to body movement and overall function.
Processed foods that make up fast food chains lose nutritional value with fortifying, preserving, and the preparation process. These foods contain unhealthy carbohydrates like complex sugars and starches which causes the body to have high blood sugar or glucose levels. In results, over time the body can develop Type 2 Diabetes and damaged liver function.
Wearing my favorite women's wine joggers for my cool temp workouts!
Happy Thursday health and fitness babes - xoxo
Elizabeth Heald
Health and Fitness Coach
Outdoor Athlete Club