It’s not your imagination.
There actually ARE foods out there that are specifically designed to make you crave them.
I’m talking about from start to finish: their ingredients, taste, packaging, and marketing – basically, these foods are created to make you want MORE, MORE, MORE.
But the thing is, these convenience foods are also some of the absolute WORST things you can eat, because they’re linked with obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and a long list of other chronic conditions when eaten in excess.
One of the BEST steps you can take is to limit these foods. Now I didn’t say cut them out entirely. A little isn’t going to hurt you and can increase our enjoyment and make things convenient. It’s just that it’s hard to eat only a little of these things because they’re engineered to make you want to eat more than you probably should.
I’m talking about ULTRA PROCESSED FOODS – factory-made cookies, chips, boxed meals, frozen meals, etc.
These foods activate your brain’s reward centers – making you crave them, and even causing you to overeat.
The difference between PROCESSED and ULTRA PROCESSED FOODS is that when you do anything to a food – like cooking it – it’s technically a form of processing. So that means sauteed greens and roasted chicken are “processed” foods.
BUT ultra-processed foods are made from low-quality, inflammatory ingredients (unhealthy fats, added sugar).
As a result, they’re low in fiber, protein, and valuable plant chemicals and other micronutrients your body needs to function at its best!
If you eat these convenience foods, you will be doing your health a favor if you can limit your consumption of them.
Instead, make SMART SWAPS to whole, nutrient-rich foods whenever possible:
- Nuts
- Fruit
- Veggies
- Whole (unrefined) grains
- Lean proteins
- And healthier homemade versions of those ultra-processed foods as “treats”
It can be an adjustment for your taste buds to get used to non-ultra processed foods …especially if you’re cutting back on sugar and salt, but you will be amazed at the difference in how you feel.
Just some of the changes you might notice: more energy, fewer cravings, fewer aches & pains, better sleep, improved workout performance and concentration, and so much more!
→ Try it for just ONE week and see for yourself.
And if you want some nutritionist-approved recipes with easy-to-find ingredients to help you eat better, check out our recipe guides!
Vegetarian Recipe Pack
Vegan Recipe Pack
High Protein Recipe Pack
Smoothie Recipe Pack
Which of these smart swaps in the list above are your faves? Tell us in the comments below.
