Let's Chat: Processed vs. Ultra-Processed Food – What's the Deal?

Hey there, friend! Grab a seat, make yourself comfy, and let's have a heart-to-heart about something we all encounter every day:  FOOD!

Here’s an explanation

Specifically, let's dive into the world of processed and ultra-processed foods:
👉🏼 What they are,
👉🏼 Why they're different, and
👉🏼 Why we might want to think twice before loading up on the ultra-processed stuff.

So, picture this: you stroll into your local grocery store, and bam! There's an entire aisle dedicated to chips, cookies, sugary drinks, and all sorts of other goodies that are tantalizingly convenient but not exactly what you'd call "natural." 

Now, before we go any further, let's clear up what we mean by "processed."

Essentially, it's any food that's been altered from its original state. Think canned veggies, frozen dinners, and even your morning cereal. Processing can involve cooking, freezing, milling, or adding preservatives and other ingredients to extend shelf life or enhance flavor.

But wait, there's a twist! Enter ultra-processed foods; the flashy, often colorful packages lining the shelves, promising quick meals and instant satisfaction. These are your super-processed snacks, like microwave meals, sugary cereals, and pretty much anything that comes in a box with a laundry list of ingredients you can't pronounce.

Now, here's where things get interesting. While some processing is totally fine (I mean, who doesn't love a good jar of pickles?), ultra-processed foods take it to a whole new level. They're typically packed with additives, artificial flavors, and heaps of sugar and salt – all the stuff that might make your taste buds dance but isn't exactly a party for your body.

So, why should we care about all this? Well, for starters, ultra-processed foods often lack the nutrients our bodies need to thrive. Sure, they might give us a quick energy boost, but it's usually followed by a crash that leaves us feeling sluggish and hungry for more. Plus, all those additives and excess sugars and salts? Not exactly doing wonders for our 💙 long-term health.💙

And the most concerning downfall to ultra-processed food?

They cause more chronic inflammation in our bodies. And you know I’m all about reducing that stuff as much as possible.. 

But fear not, my friend, for all is not lost! By making a few simple swaps and incorporating more whole, minimally processed foods into our diets – you know, fruits, veggies, whole grains, the good stuff – we can give our bodies the nourishment they crave and deserve.

So, next time you find yourself reaching for that bag of neon-orange cheese puffs (we've all been there), maybe think twice and opt for a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit instead. Your body will thank you, and hey, who knows? You might discover a new favorite snack along the way.

Alright, friend, that's enough food for thought for one day. Thanks for hanging out with me and chatting about all things processed and ultra-processed. Until next time, stay curious and keep nourishing that beautiful body of yours!

Xoxo,