How to Eliminate Processed Food from Your Diet

Check your kitchen and ref, chances are you hoard a lot of unhealthy processed foods / PicHelp

Research after research has shown that processed foods are bad for our health. They are loaded with sugar and fructose corn syrup, which can lead to insulin resistance, increased bad cholesterol, and accumulation of fat in the liver and abdominal cavity. They also lack the essential nutrients and energy needed by the body. And the worst, they contain all sorts of artificial ingredients (e.g. preservatives, colorants, flavorants and texturants) that can be harmful to health. So, if you want to live healthy this year, start cutting off processed foods from your diet. Here are a few tips to help you eat clean.

Know the difference between real food and processed food
Obviously, most foods you see in groceries and markets are processed – milk is pasteurized and bottled, and ground beef has been grounded in a machine. But when talking about “processed foods,” we’re talking about those foods that have been chemically altered, processed and made from artificial ingredients. Examples of which are sodas, French fries, and deli meats.

Go for real beverages
Starting today, limit your drink choices to “real” beverages – i.e. water, milk, tea, coffee and fresh fruit juices. Avoid colas, power drinks, instant juices, coffees, lemonades and many other sugary drinks.

Choose fresh meat
While deli meats, such as sausages and meatloaves, are tempting and convenient, there are a number of reasons why you should avoid them. One is that they increase your risk to cardiovascular disease by 70%. Even those deli sandwiches, which include refined grains, low fat cheeses and low fat deli meats that are promoted as healthy, can increase your risk to the disease by 8% per serving.

Take a Fast from Fast Food
Fast food is addictive and it can make you fat. A 15-year study participated by over 3,000 people found that eating fast food can lead to insulin resistance and weight gain. Also, one study found that most fast food has potentially addictive substance that can create fast food dependence in vulnerable population. So starting today, take a fast from fast food. Limit it to at least once a month. Your body will thank you for it.

Via http://www.stethnews.com/

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5 Foods That Cause Constipation

BANANA
Not every banana is created equal. Based on the type, bananas ca be healthy or constipating. Unripened, green bananas are constipating whilst ripe bananas are rich in soluble fiber that assist with bowel movement and cleansing. For relief, pick bananas that are ripe.

BREAD

Breads created from wheat or rye are high in fructose. At times the body does not properly digest and take in fructan-containing foods and as an outcome, bacteria in your colon ferment the fructans, begin generating gas. Extra water and gas existing in your intestines can trigger abdominal ache, pain, cramping and changes in the consistency of your bowel movements.

CHOCOLATE

Average chocolate consumption has been proven to be healthy, packed with antioxidants, and can improve our disposition. However, huge quantities of chocolate can slow down the digestion process. it is assumed to slow down muscle contractions and bowel movements.

CHIPS

Snacks like potato chips are constipating also because of the low fiber content. Chips, such as dairy, are high-fat foods that postpone digestion, causing a full-stomach sensation that mimics constipation.

FROZEN MEALS

Frozen meals are very easy. They can save time in making meals, and can made with minimal cooking skills. These meals are nearly always low in fiber and in many cases high in fat. Also because of preservation methods for the food, they are normally high in sodium. High sodium content focuses the water in our bodies, keeping it from pressing waste through the body. Keep these constipating foods minimal.

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