You may hear a lot of recommendations to choose “real food” but what is that really? Real food is food that looks close to how it grew. Some characteristics are:
- Minimal ingredients (or at least you recognize each ingredient)
- No artificial colors or flavors
- No added sugar
- No preservatives
Examples of real foods include fresh fruits and vegetables; meat, poultry and fish; nuts and seeds, and whole grains and legumes.
To simplify it even further, real food typically does not have ingredients, it IS an ingredient!
What is Processed Food?
Processed foods are typically produced in a factory and are usually packaged, refined and have a very long shelf life. Processed foods typically have a long list of ingredients, such as added sugars, refined oils, artificial flavorings, and preservatives.
Processed foods include chips and crackers, sugary cereals, sodas, and frozen meals.
Our bodies are designed to use real foods as fuel. Highly processed foods lack the nutrients we need to function at a high level. Over time, processed foods can stress the body and cause it to be weak and susceptible to illness.
Want to learn more about improving your health and optimizing your diet? Contact us at True Light Wellness today!