For optimal functioning, the human body needs fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and water to transport them. These are the main sources of energy that fuel the cells so that all the body’s functions are performed. Unfortunately, most food is now being so processed and has undergone so many modifications. This is done because of flavoring preferences or for ease in preparation.
All this processing is also done in an attempt to retain flavor or freshness, because many foods stay on store shelves for long periods of time. These processes usually entail the use of preservatives and other chemicals that are horrible for our health.
So, this is why adherence to a whole foods diet is the way to go. With so many advocates like myself and programs we have implemented for healthy living, you are often hearing about the consumption of whole foods.
Whole foods are not genetically modified or chemically altered. When we talk about whole foods, it means that fruits and vegetables are grown with minimal chemical intervention. Ideally, you can consume organically-grown produce with little to no preparation outside of a good rinsing!
Meat obtained from free-range or pasture-raised animals also belong to the whole foods category. If meat is sourced from factory-farmed animals, there is a greater than 100% chance that they were fed with hormones, antibiotics, and other chemical additives. Feedlot-raised animals are fed a high-grain diet, and this is almost always obtained from non-organic sources and is quite often GMO grain.
If you choose to pursue a whole foods diet, it means eating foods in their most natural state. They are prepared and cooked without the use of additives and other artificial flavor-enhancing agents.
So… Why? What are the benefits of following this way of living, fueling and eating? Thank you for asking!
Your Body Obtains More Nutrients
When we eat whole foods, our bodies will have more access to unaltered vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional content. When we do, our body will obtain the most amount of nutrients from the food eaten. For example, if we compare fresh juice sourced from organic oranges to one from a bottle with hard-to-pronounce ingredients on the label, the first option will always give us a higher dose of Vitamin C in the form most needed and easily assimilated by your body. This is called bioavailability, which simply means the nutrients consumed are actually absorbed by the body and put to use rather than passing right through us and ending up in the toilet!
You Minimize Your Risks Associated With Processed Foods
Eating whole foods greatly minimizes our body’s risk of being exposed to the dangers associated with ingesting preservatives and additives. A common example of preservatives is nitrate. This is often used in meat products to prevent bacterial growth. However, according to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, excessive intake of this preservative has been proven by independent research to cause cancer. Nitrates are commonly found in bacon, ham, sausage, hotdogs and other cured meats.
You Will Find It Easier To Manage Your Weight
If we are watching our weight or trying to lose weight, whole food consumption is the best way to go. Processed foods that are high in calories and low in fiber are known to contribute to weight gain and obesity. This is partly due to the fact that foods that have no fiber are less likely to make you feel full and sated. In turn, we increase our tendency to eat more than we need to.
You Will Spend Less When You Adhere To A Whole Foods Diet
Although processed foods reduce the hassle of preparation because they can be eaten in an instant, the preservatives and other chemicals included add to the higher production costs. These costs will then be shouldered by us, the consumer.
Wouldn’t it be better to just buy an apple and eat it raw than fall in line at our favorite smoothie shop for a sugar-laden apple-flavored drink? With processed foods, we are also paying for the packaging that our body does not even consume.
At least with whole foods, we are only buying what you eat, which includes all the nutrients and benefits to our health, so it’s worth every cent spent. Whole foods won’t subject us to side effects and health problems commonly linked to processed foods. In other words, fewer visits to the doctor and less money spent on medicines.
You Will Have Reduced Risk Of Diseases
Whole foods not only give us vitamins and minerals. They also provide your body with much-needed phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are found in a wide variety of fruits, plants, and grains. Ingesting foods that contain phytochemicals lessens our risk of contracting cardiovascular disease. It also protects our body from cancer and type-2 diabetes. Bright colored fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of phytochemicals.
You Will Be Spared From The Dangers Of Sugar
One great advantage of being on a whole foods diet is that we spare ourselves from the dangers of excessive sugar intake. We eat more fruits and vegetables that contain natural sugar, and their fiber content helps offset the adverse effects of sugar. Processed foods are often devoid of fiber and taste sweet due to the added sugars, so it is so easy to overeat these products. Regularly ingesting processed, sugar-laden foods is when health problems start, progress and never stop (unless you do)
Generally, maintaining a whole food diet will prevent diseases and promote overall well-being. If we aim to make positive changes to your diet, a simple and healthy way is to eating whole foods.
Want to learn more? Hit that link down below and let’s set up a free consultation, at the very least, you can have all your questions answered one on one and start turning your ship in a better direction!
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