Ultra-Processed Food And Your Health And Well-Being

I spend much of my time living and working in Hanoi, Vietnam. In Vietnam, ultra-processed foods are usually more expensive than the fresh foods we can get at the market.

When I return to the United States, I find the opposite is true. Ultra-processed foods are everywhere, usually cheaper than the fresh food variety. But more than just the cost of the food, I discovered that I can see and feel the different quality of the food between fresh and ultra-processed foods. My stomach, in particular, can always feel the difference.

The Conversation Around Ultra-Processed Foods: A Perspective On Health And Well-being
- Ultra-processed Food And Potential Impact On Our Health
The Trifecta Of Good Health – Freshness, Fitness And Fullness
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The Conversation Around Ultra-Processed Foods: A Perspective On Health And Well-being

First of all, as a disclaimer, I am not a doctor or a trained health professional. I am just a concerned citizen who lives between two worlds where one has a lot of readily available fresh foods and the other has mainly ultra-processed foods.

Because I am between these two worlds, it gives me a unique perspective that others may not have; if I buy any fresh sourdough bread from the Andersen Scadndivian Bakery near my home in Hanoi, I need to freeze that bread so it will not go wrong.

The bread is made with no chemicals and only fresh ingredients, just like if I baked it myself in my kitchen.

On the other hand, when I buy sourdough bread in the United States at any grocery store, it seems to have a much longer shelf.

Ultra-processed Food And Potential Impact On Our Health

Today, there’s growing chatter around ultra-processed foods and their potential impact on our health and well-being. These foods have undergone multiple processing steps and contain ingredients you wouldn’t typically find in your kitchen if you were cooking from scratch.

As Maria Godoy of NPR News wrote:

“High consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to health concerns ranging from increased risk of obesity, hypertension, breast and colorectal cancer to dying prematurely from all causes….One reason ultra-processed foods likely contribute to health issues seems obvious: They tend to be low in fiber and high in calories, salt, added sugar and fat, which are all linked with poor health outcomes when eaten in excess.
Maria Godoy – NPR

The Trifecta Of Good Health – Freshness, Fitness And Fullness

Because of that, we at Reluctant Low Carb Life do not just advocate the low-carb lifestyle but also believe in the trifecta of health. We understand that some people can handle more carbs than others.

At the heart of our philosophy of living is a simple yet powerful triad: Freshness, Fitness, and Fullness. By focusing on these three aspects, we believe you can achieve a more balanced and healthier life.

Freshness: The Prime Ingredient

Freshness is about more than produce straight from the farm; it’s about food that is minimally processed and closer to its natural state. When you eat fresh food, you know what’s in it because you made it yourself.

Cooking at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, and most importantly, you can avoid the artificial additives and chemicals often found in ultra-processed foods.

Fitness: More Than Just an Activity

Fitness is not just about losing weight or building muscle; it’s about a holistic approach to well-being. A good fitness routine can alleviate stress, improve mental health, and help manage weight.

It complements your diet and can even make you more conscious of what you eat. We strongly advocate finding an exercise routine you love, as you’re more likely to stick with it in the long run.

We are advocates for exercises like Nordic Walking as it can give you a full body workout, especially compared to regular walking.

Fullness: The Key To Controlled Eating

The concept of “fullness” goes beyond just feeling stuffed. It’s about achieving a satiety that keeps you content until your next meal. Fresh, natural foods often have higher fiber content and provide essential nutrients, contributing to a lasting feeling of fullness.

When you eat fresh, you will get better nutrients and feel full and satisfied for so much longer. For us, it is all about the positive aspects of feeling satiety after eating so you are not hungry an hour after a meal.

Ultra-processed foods, on the other hand, are usually high in sugar and lack fiber, which can lead to energy crashes and frequent snacking. That is why you can go through a whole bag of chips and hardly realize you have eaten the bag.

Ultra-Processed Foods: A Reality Check

Ultra-processed foods often contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and a host of other chemicals that you wouldn’t usually use when cooking at home. While convenient, these foods may lack essential nutrients and may even contain substances that could be harmful in the long run.

Though comprehensive research on the long-term health impacts of ultra-processed foods is still in the works, the presence of artificial additives alone gives us pause.

Our Take On Health

We believe that sticking to the three fundamental aspects of Freshness, Fitness, and Fullness can significantly improve your quality of life. Ultra-processed foods might offer convenience but can’t compete with fresh food’s wholesomeness and nutritional benefits.

Combined with a consistent fitness routine and a focus on feeling truly “full,” we think this triad forms the blueprint for a healthier, happier you.

So why not give it a try?

Reluctant Low Carb Life explores all aspects of keto and low-carb lifestyle, fitness, health, wellness, and aging gracefully. At the Reluctant Low Carb Life, we strive to give honest and accurate information to people trying to live the low-carb and keto lifestyle while improving their fitness and health.

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All About Emulsifiers In Ultra-Processed Foods

One ingredient that frequently shows up in ultra-processed foods is emulsifiers. So, you might wonder, are emulsifiers excellent or bad for you? Should you be worried about consuming them? Keep reading as we delve deeper into the role of emulsifiers in ultra-processed foods.

You can read more about All About Emulsifiers In Ultra-Processed Foods by clicking here.

Ultra-Processed Foods: A Global Threat To Public Health

This change coincides with the introducing of fast food and ultra-processed foods into their daily diets. Given this reality, it’s hardly surprising to learn that such foods are detrimental to our well-being and can lead to various health issues. Join me as we delve deeper into this topic and examine Nestlé’s floating supermarket venture in the Amazon and its concerning aftermath.

You can read more about Ultra-Processed Foods: A Global Threat To Public Health by clicking here.

Are Sausages Ultra-Processed Foods?

Sausages often fall into this ultra-processed category, mainly due to the chemicals and additives they contain. Keep reading to explore why sausages are generally considered ultra-processed and why you might want to think twice before making them a staple.

You can read more about Are Sausages Ultra-Processed Foods? by clicking here.