Eating Healthy in a World of Processed Foods

For my first blog on this spot, I wanted to begin by bringing an awareness to you about processed, convenience foods and the importance of eating healthily. 

Ever wondered what it takes to truly eat healthy? Wondering through the grocery store isles of processed & frozen foods, sweets and a borage of meats and dairy products all filled with chemicals, hydrogenated oils and preservatives... it can be so totally difficult just to buy some wholesome, nutritious food these days!  I have a simple term for these popular processed foods, I call them "plastic food", why because basically they are. The chemicals that make up these processed "convenience foods" are similar to other compounds used to make many other non-food items and further more they are not meant to broken down and absorbed by our bodies!

Now after eating these foods for most of our lives, consider the rise on cancer, heart disease, diabetes and the probable link to an unhealthy diet. Most of these foods are devoid of any nutrition and therefore adding empty calories, our bodies are still in need of nutrients, which begins the craving for more food in an effort to obtain nutrients, while adding calories and weight. The American diet has become a nation of nutrient deprived citizens! 

To become a savvy shopper and combat this, I learned an old trick years ago, to only shop the perimeter of the grocery store (unless it is a Whole foods or Trader Joe's) meaning most of the "healthier" foods outline the store,  so you will be sure to shop mostly vegetables and lean proteins. My second rule of thumb is a slight change in thinking and a great way to save some money on your grocery bill. Make your main part of the meal a great salad or a savory veggie dish and then add a little protein, such as 1-3 oz. of fish, chicken, turkey or lean beef as the side dish. This is a great way to maximize your vegetable intake and minimize your food bill.

To recap, here are my rules of thumb for healthier eating....

1) Shop the perimeter for fresh fruits & veggies and stay away from them processed food isles.

2) Make veggies/salad you main entree and a lean protein your side dish.

Here's to healthy eating!

The Nutrition Chick