nutritionists warning about processed foods; A healthy diet is still possible

(NewsNation) A significant portion of the American diet consists of processed foods that are often overlooked. Even foods perceived as healthy are processed for convenience, affordability, and convenience.

However, health workers warn that consuming too much processed food may cause health problems.

“The longer it’s been around when you’re eating things with added sugar or things you can’t pronounce, the higher the trend,” explained nutritionist Carrie Lupoli.

These include items high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat, including bacon, hot dogs, lunch meats, ice cream, cereal, soda, and certain yogurts.

“They are associated with a higher risk of obesity, a higher risk of depression, heart disease, stroke and premature death overall,” said Dr. Michael Greger. Surprisingly, more than half of the calories in the United States on average come from these highly processed foods, meaning that more than half of our diet is junk.

The United States Department of Agriculture recently revealed that it is possible to have a healthy diet with more than 90 percent of your calories from highly processed foods, and that not all processed foods are created equal. For example, processed oatmeal retains the whole grain.

As much as we should rely on whole foods, healthy proteins and fats, and yes, healthy fruits and vegetables, we want them all. We can always do that. If the next best thing is something packaged and processed but higher in protein, you’ll do better if protein is the first ingredient in it, says Jorge Cruz, author of The Hunger Eraser.

While nutritionists advocate for healthier options, they acknowledge the cost factor.

“Especially when it comes to food dollars and especially when it comes to how thin people feel, if that’s what you have to do to put food in any way for Prepare your family.” Program Coordinator at the University of New Haven.

Nutritionists claim that there are several cost-effective alternatives to replacing favorite junk foods, but it may require research.