Curious about the real deal behind whole foods and their supercharged benefits? Let's uncover the secrets beyond the grocery aisles! Stay tuned for a fresh perspective on nutrition that'll have you seeing rainbows in every bite. 🌟
Let’s Dive In!
What are Whole Foods?
I know when we hear that phrase we think of the store. But I am talking about what the store was named after. So, what are whole foods? Whole foods are foods that are as close to their natural, unprocessed form as possible. Examples of this would include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, milk, yogurt, legumes, nuts, and seeds. You might also be wondering what the benefits of eating whole foods are, so let me share! Whole foods have no added saturated fat, salt or sugar. Therefore eating lots of whole foods can help you lower your intake of these additives, which is good for your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and weight. Whole foods help the body heal itself, because it gives the body the resources and building blocks it needs to heal itself and thrive. Much of this is tied to our gut health and the power of the microbiome to protect, nourish, and heal the body as a whole.
What are Processed Foods?
Depending on the degree of processing, nutrients in these foods can be destroyed or removed. Heating or drying foods can destroy certain vitamins and minerals. Although food manufacturers can add back some of the nutrients lost, it is impossible to recreate the food in its original form. To help discern the scale of Whole to Processes Foods I have included an example below!
Whole Food: Apple
Minimally Processed Food: Prepackaged Apple Slices with no Additives
Processed Food: Unsweetened applesauce made with apples, water, and ascorbic acid to prevent browning
Ultra Processed Food: Sweetened applesauce with the prior ingredients plus high fructose corn syrup
Ultra-processed foods of low nutritional value: Apple juice drink with high fructose corn syrup and added coloring
What is the Functional Nutrition version of the Food Pyramid?
When it comes to trying to eat each category of food, or keeping variety in your diet, the food pyramid is not my go to. As a Functional Nutrition Health Coach, eating the rainbow is what I like to do myself, and recommend to my clients. The different colors of plant based foods are reflective of the phytonutrients within! For example, red foods are rich in the carotenoid lycopene, a potent scavenger of gene-damaging free radicals that seems to protect against prostate cancer as well as heart and lung disease. Eating the various colors and filling your plate with the rainbow can help provide a nutrient dense diet for you 😀
Excited to explore the transformative power of whole foods and deepen your understanding of nutrition?
Let's continue this enlightening conversation. Schedule a call with me here and together, we'll delve deeper into the benefits of whole, unprocessed foods and how they can support your health goals. Don't hesitate to seize this educational opportunity – schedule your call today and embark on a journey of wellness and discovery!
Disclaimer: The information provided is as a community service to learn more about general health topics and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before making changes to your diet, exercise, and supplement protocols. We never suggest stopping prescription medications. Our content is designed to be the latest, evidence-based knowledge pulling from reliable sources such as current research and the Institute of Functional Medicine. All statements have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any disease. If you have any questions, please contact us at Team@BodyLoveCafe.com. As with all educational materials designed for large groups, utilize what interests you and do your own research, discard what doesn’t serve you.
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