In this post, I would like to discuss the importance and benefits of eating a diet rich in whole foods and limited in processed foods. One way to incorporate whole foods into your diet is by consuming whole-food supplements from brands such as New Chapter and Garden of Life.
What are whole foods?
A whole food is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as a food that has been processed or refined as little as possible and is free from additives or other artificial substances. [1] Because these foods are minimally processed, they are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. [2] Some foods that are categorized as whole foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These are honest and simple foods you can find in every grocery store!
What are processed foods?
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a processed food is a food that has been changed prior to you eating it. This means that many foods can be considered “processed”. However, generally, when nutritionists and the public speak of processed foods they are referring to products that are heavily modified and contain a long list of ingredients such as packaged snack foods, sweets, frozen prepared foods, sugary drinks, and packaged meats. Many of these foods have a low nutritional value, so limiting them in your diet can lead to better overall health. [3]
What are the benefits of following a whole foods diet?
A diet that encourages whole, plant-based foods and discourages meats, dairy and eggs have shown astounding health benefits. [4] With rising concerns in our nation regarding the spread of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, much research has been done on effective lifestyle interventions. One such intervention is adopting a diet as discussed above that is rich in whole, plant-based foods. The research shows that this particular intervention is a low-cost and low-risk intervention that may lower body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and cholesterol levels. [4] The research suggests that physicians and dietitians should recommend whole food, plant-based diets to all of their patients as it can be beneficial to those who are already healthy as well as those suffering from chronic diseases.
How to incorporate whole foods into your diet?
It can be very difficult to make this major lifestyle change, especially if your diet currently consists of mostly processed foods. The best way to do this is to take small steps towards eating a mostly plant-based diet. Start off by replacing some processed foods in your diet with more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Slowly you can start adding a variety of whole foods into your diet and purchasing less processed foods at the store. As you are making this transition, it can be extremely beneficial to incorporate whole food nutritional supplements into your diet. New Chapter offers a line of whole-food supplements offering every vitamin and nutrient you need. Overall, incorporating whole foods into your diet in any way, whether it is through food or supplements, will lead to maximum health.
Sources
1 https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whole%20food?src=search-dict-hed
2 https://www.naturalbalancefoods.co.uk/community/healthy-living/what-are-whole-foods/
Leave a Reply