I went to the largest trade show for natural and organic products in the US this year - Natural Products Expo West. There are over 30,000 attendees and thousands of different food items. It's huge! There was a dazzling array of foods in packages. One of the most obvious trends this year was CBD, but the one thing that was abundantly clear was that Americans are confused about what to eat that is healthy!
MindfulEaters, here's a secret: anything that comes out of a package is probably processed. You already know what real food looks like. Expo West was full of different kinds of food bars, plant burgers, and all kinds of convenience foods stuffed with supplements. All those things are processed foods! If there are lots of ingredients and it doesn't look like it's natural form, it's processed. It doesn't matter if it's organic, non-GMO, keto or stuffed with superfoods. A protein bar is still not a natural food item. Instead of eating the bar, have a hard boiled egg or two! You can boil lots of eggs at once, keep them in the refrigerator, then take them with you for a handy snack. Or have some chicken. You are going straight to the source for real natural protein instead of a funny bar shaped food.
You are better off eating non-processed or minimally processed unorganic real food than any kind of processed food. That's the simple truth.
Just because it's labeled organic, non-GMO, keto or vegan doesn't mean it's good for you. Organic macaroni & cheese in a box is still processed macaroni and cheese. Don't think you are eating something non-processed just because it's organic. You can eat it - just be conscious that you are consuming a processed food.
If you are eating plant "meat" to be healthier, be aware of what's in the ingredients list. A lot of things! (see above). You can grill a portobello mushroom just as easily. It's delicious and it's a real plant.
If you're snacking, remember a non-GMO quinoa chip is still a processed chip. Choose air-popped popcorn or roasted seaweed for snacks that are minimally processed. Or a banana, piece of fruit, carrot sticks or hard boiled eggs. Hummus and celery. You have so many options!
Why do you want to eat less processed foods? Because ultra-processed foods are bad for you.
What to do - Eat more fresh unprocessed food
- Shop for real food. Organic or not, that's what is best for you and your family. Not protein bars, powdered supplements, chips or balls. Real food.
- Create a food plan (your Mindful Battle Plan) for the week. Figure out your meals so you can take a list with you to the grocery store and spend less time making more satisfying meals!
- Prepare most of your meals at home.The faster the better - and if you cook in large batches, you can take in lunch or have leftovers later in the week.
- Figure out which ultra-processed foods are your weakness, and don't buy them! Do not let them in your house!! Here are some popular culprits: chips, diet soda, frozen pizza, candy, pre-packaged cakes, certain breads (do for the whole grain breads).
- Snack well. Create a fruit bowl and keep it filled. This will be your go-to for snacks. Make a Mindful Mixfor your other snack needs.
What I ate today: steel cut oatmeal + strawberries + blueberries + blackberries, Prêt a Manger lobster roll, bowtie summer pasta, steamed broccoli, corn on the cob, pluot, green tea ice cream, Lesser Evil popcorn, coffee, water
Exercise: power yoga
