Its time to take a closer look of what we eat in a day!
In a busy day, the convenience of modern foods often overshadows the importance of mindful eating. As we become busy, we start to rely on tasty ready-to-eat foods & snacks, many of which are ultra-processed. We love eating those (for sure) but its high time we understand its impact on our health and well-being.
What are #ultraprocessedfoods (UPF’s)?
These are industry made formulations with food materials & often added with colors, flavors, emulsifiers, thickeners and other additives to make the food palatable, sometimes even hyperpalatable.
Want some examples for UPF’s?
#Instantnoodles, #readytoeatfrozenmeals, #biscuits, #cakes, #packedchips, #processedmeat, #pastries, #candies, #softdrinks-all these contain lots of artificial ingredients tailored for taste come into the category of UPF’s.
Are processed foods and ultra- processed foods same? No. #Processedfoods undergo minimal processing that slightly alter the food from its natural state.
Let's say for example plain yoghurt is a minimally processed food, yoghurt with added starch as thickener is a processed food, whereas yoghurt with added fruit concentrates, sugars, artificial colors, flavors, gums is a UPF. Similarly whole wheat grain is a minimally processed foods, wheat flour comes under the category of processed foods, whereas cookies made from wheat flour with added hydrogenated oil blends, compound chocolates, emulsifiers, flavors, colors, stabilizers, other sugars like invert sugar, oligofructose, liquid glucose is a UPF.
Why is it important to limit the consumption of these UPF’s?
UPF often contain high amount of salt, sugar & unhealthy fats making it to be a very tasty food formulation but with a poor nutrient composition. Regularly consuming these foods has shown to be associated with high risk of non- communicable diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, CVD, depression, GI disorders & cardio-metabolic diseases.
So, what can we do?
#Planyourmeal: Planning your meal would definitely reduce your last-minute rush towards UPF’s.
#Cookathome: May not sound easy or exciting at all times! But it’s a wiser decision considering health of our loved ones.
#Choosewholefoods: Prioritize on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, legumes and minimally processed foods.
#Checkfoodlabels: A plant- based milk or a breakfast cereal may seem as healthy food options at the super market shelves but looking at the ingredient details reveals the truth.
A Bonus Tip: While you are buying or picking up something to eat, think of its origin! A mindful shopping promotes mindful eating.
Any #ultraprocessedfoods you consume regularly but wish to stop eating? Comment below.
#UltraprocessedFoods #Nutrition #HealthyEating #FoodChoice #FoodIndustry #Wellness #Diet #Health #MindfulEating #FoodAwareness #FoodTrends #HealthyLifestyle #PublicHealth #EatRight #FoodTechnology
