10 Simple Steps to Avoid Processed Foods

Today, I’m an expert on how to cut out processed foods from your diet. Here are some tips that can help you do it, too:

1. Eat veggies or fruit in every meal: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends two to three cups of vegetables, and one-and-a-half to two cups of fruit every day. It is a good idea to include at least two different fruits or vegetables for every meal. It is also best to eat organic whenever possible.

2. Replace your highly processed cereal: It is a good idea to start your day with the right nutrition. Contrary to popular belief, most cereals aren’t part of a complete breakfast. In fact, they contain a lot of added sugar, preservatives , and calories. A good alternative is minimally processed and slow-cooking rolled oats or steel cut oats.

3. Consider a morning smoothie: A smoothie is a great way to get a good dose of vegetables and some fruit in the morning. Some good ingredients for smoothie beginners include of variation of blueberries, avocados, bananas, almond butter, coconut oil, brown rice protein powder, spinach, kale, chard, and collard greens. Also add a cup or two of water or almond milk.

4. Drink mostly water and herbal teas: Sugar-sweetened juices and sodas lead to health problems like weight gain and diabetes. It is best to shift your perception about beverages. Look to consume around eight glasses of filtered water daily. Also, there are many health benefits of drinking herbal teas such as ginger, chamomile, lavender, or peppermint.

5. Check out a farmers’ market: Eliminating processed foods can be easy, especially when you avoid the grocery store. The farmers’ market is a great way to find local and organic vegetables and fruits. Many local farmers will also deliver fresh vegetable community supported agriculture (CSA) boxes right to your doorstep.

6. Replace your eggs: Buying organic foods may be difficult for a lot of people, but a good place to start is with meat and meat by-products, like eggs. They contain important nutrients such as vitamin D and vitamin B12. Organic eggs also come from pastured-raised and grass-fed hens that are also free from Antibiotics , hormones, or steroids.

7. Replace cow’s milk with almond milk: Most milk products are loaded with Antibiotics and genetically engineered bovine growth hormones rBST and rBGH. Almond milk is considered a healthy alternative, especially when you make your own. Simply combine four cups of water with one cup of almonds in the blender. Then strain with a nut milk bag, and enjoy! If you want, add a little bit of maple syrup or honey for some flavor.

8. Pick better pasta: If you’re like me, you can’t live without pasta. In North America, spaghetti and canned tomato sauce is a staple in the diet. Instead, choose alternatives like quinoa or rice pastas. Also, try to make your sauces with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs like basil or dill.

9. Add more color to your diet: Eating unprocessed foods doesn’t need to be boring. It is a good idea to add more color to your plate. For instance, your salad doesn’t have to be only green. Brighten it up with some orange carrots, yellow peppers, and purple beets.

10. Try new foods: Do you want to challenge yourself from reducing processed foods in your diet? Simply, add two to three new whole foods you haven’t tried before to your diet. Some new favorites that I’ve added include okra, kohlrabi, fennel, eggplant, and artichokes.


http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/food-and-nutrition-articles/how-to-eliminate-processed-foods-from-your-diet-in-10-simple-steps