Whole Foods have been processed as little as possible and remain in, or close to, their all natural state. This retains nutrients without adding excess fat, sugar, sodium, preservatives, dyes, or other chemicals.
1) Select Produce Without Additives
It is difficult to complicate the benefits that simple produce offers, especially organic produce. Consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables without additives provides fiber, water, nutrients, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. For items that are not fruit and vegetables, a good rule of themb is to check the nutrition label, then only buy items that you can recognize all the ingredients. If something is listed you have never heard of, it’s probably an additive.
2) Switch to Whole Grains
Whole grains are less processed. Consuming mostly whole grains as a source of complex carbohydrates (like oats, quinoa, brown rice, and whole wheat flour breads and pastas) offers significant health benefits, and may even lower risk for some chronic diseases.
3) Purchase Organic Meats and Wild-Caught Seafood
Livestock which are fed pesticide-treated grasses and grains may retain such chemicals in their fat stores, compounded over their lifetime. Wild-caught seafood is not raised in farm waters (which may have dense concentrations of waste and ammonia). Consuming a variety of protein sources, like nuts, lentils, and soy, adds benefits of fiber, phytonutrients, and healthy fats.
4) Become Savvy to the Ingredients
Packaged foods are not necessarily over-processed, or unhealthful. Some processing, (pasteurization, adding vitamins), enhances food quality. Check the list of ingredients for mostly Whole Food contents. Avoid items with a long list of fillers (extra sodium, fats, sugars, unnecessary preservatives, dyes, stabilizers, and artificial flavors). Hydrogenated oils, in particular, are added for smooth texture. This additive raises bad cholesterol and lowers good cholesterol, causing plaque buildup in arteries, and leading to heart disease.
5) Better Brands Cut Out Filler
It is possible to buy almost identical types frozen meals and snacks made instead with whole food ingredients. Often, simply switching brands or grocery stores creates many more whole food options. Check out your local farmer’s market or health food store, such as Harvestland.
Adopting a diet of Whole Foods ensures receipt of food’s benefits without the side effects of many additives. This diet is prone to be balanced, nutrient dense, and may decrease chances of chronic diseases.
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