If you are trying to eat healthier, you can, for example, avoid highly processed foods.
Ultra-processed foods are everywhere. Their convenience and price are tempting, but health experts say the long ingredient list should make you think twice. Here’s how to spot ultra-processed foods when you shop.
“We eat more processed foods. We avoid vegetables and fruit,” said one expert.
Highly processed foods are supposed to be easy to eat, delicious and have a longer shelf life, but doctors say they are not good for your health.
“We’re really talking about avoiding the highly processed stuff in the middle of the store – cookies, chips, you know, the stuff that comes in a box,” the expert added.
One way to easily spot this: There’s usually a long list of ingredients, many of which you’ve probably never heard of. If the list includes things you wouldn’t use in your own kitchen, it’s probably highly processed.
“If you are able, prepare your meals at home. We know that when you prepare your meals yourself, you know exactly what is in them,” advises the expert.
The Washington Post lists some other warning signs of processed foods. Look for added sweeteners like corn syrup and cane sugar, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, ingredients that end in “…ose” like fructose or glucose, and foods that are “instant” or come in many flavors.
Leaving these unhealthy, highly processed products on the shelf will leave more room in your shopping cart for foods that are good for your body.
Experts also warn us to avoid clever marketing tactics that make processed foods look healthy when they still contain lots of additives or sugar.
