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Processed Foods

lab technician working on donuts in a processed food factory

  • Main Ideas

    Learning Objective

    Understand the origins and impact of processed foods on health, and learn practical strategies to reduce their consumption in favor of whole foods.


    Behavioral Objective

    Identify one processed food or beverage to gradually reduce from your diet, replacing it with healthier, whole food alternatives over the course of a month.


    Key Thought

    Processed foods, though convenient, often lack essential nutrients. By gradually eliminating these from our diet, we can significantly improve our overall health and well-being.

  • Main Ideas

    Learning Objective

    Understand the origins and impact of processed foods on health, and learn practical strategies to reduce their consumption in favor of whole foods.


    Behavioral Objective

    Identify one processed food or beverage to gradually reduce from your diet, replacing it with healthier, whole food alternatives over the course of a month.


    Key Thought

    Processed foods, though convenient, often lack essential nutrients. By gradually eliminating these from our diet, we can significantly improve our overall health and well-being.

  • Terms

    Bliss Point

    noun

    The point at which the combination of flavors and textures in food provides the maximum amount of pleasure. This concept is often used by food manufacturers to create foods that are irresistible and drive overconsumption.

    High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

    noun

    A sweetener made from corn starch that is commonly used in processed foods and beverages. It is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and increased risk of chronic diseases.

    Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

    noun

    A flavor enhancer commonly added to processed foods. While it is used to improve taste, MSG has been linked to headaches and other neurological symptoms in sensitive individuals.

    Processed Foods

    noun

    Foods that have been altered from their natural state, often high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives, contributing to inflammation.

    Whole Foods

    noun

    Foods that are minimally processed and as close to their natural form as possible, providing essential nutrients without added chemicals or artificial ingredients.

  • Terms

    Bliss Point

    noun

    The point at which the combination of flavors and textures in food provides the maximum amount of pleasure. This concept is often used by food manufacturers to create foods that are irresistible and drive overconsumption.

    High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

    noun

    A sweetener made from corn starch that is commonly used in processed foods and beverages. It is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and increased risk of chronic diseases.

    Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

    noun

    A flavor enhancer commonly added to processed foods. While it is used to improve taste, MSG has been linked to headaches and other neurological symptoms in sensitive individuals.

    Processed Foods

    noun

    Foods that have been altered from their natural state, often high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives, contributing to inflammation.

    Whole Foods

    noun

    Foods that are minimally processed and as close to their natural form as possible, providing essential nutrients without added chemicals or artificial ingredients.

Introduction

Processed foods have become a significant part of the modern diet, but they often lack the essential nutrients the body needs to function optimally. The 150-Year Rule encourages a focus on whole foods-those available 150 years ago before the food industry transformed how people eat. Recognizing and reducing processed foods is a foundational step toward a healthier lifestyle that emphasizes natural, nutrient-dense foods over convenience and artificial ingredients.

150-Year Rule Reminder

As discussed earlier, the 150-Year Rule advises, "If it wasn't around 150 years ago, you shouldn't eat it." The principle encourages choosing real, whole foods rather than processed alternatives. The foods you consume should come from nature-think of items from a bush, tree, or field-not from a factory.

Food was once simple, but it has become a highly commercialized industry today. Food engineers work hard to make processed foods more appealing, tastier, and addictive. While fresh, whole foods may seem less exciting, their health benefits far outweigh those of processed foods.

How Did We Get Here? A Processed Food History

Many foods have been altered from their natural state to become convenient, processed options. This shift began after the Industrial Revolution when farming and cooking practices changed. Below are some examples of processed foods that were introduced over time:

  • 1898 - In a failed attempt to make granola, W.K. Kellogg and Dr. John Harvey Kellogg accidentally invented flaked wheat berries, eventually leading to the creation of Kellogg's Corn Flakes.1
  • 1908 - Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) was patented as a taste enhancer in several countries. While it improves flavor, it has been associated with neurological symptoms, including headaches, and can still be found in many processed foods today.2
  • 1937 - SPAM was introduced as a convenient canned meat product widely used during World War II to feed Allied troops.3
  • 1950s - Chicken Nuggets were developed by a food scientist as a way to increase demand for chickens, turning leftover chicken parts into a breaded, processed food.4
  • 1967 - High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) was developed as a cost-effective sweetener that quickly became a staple in processed foods and sodas.5

Baby Steps: Reducing Processed Foods

Transitioning to a diet with fewer processed foods can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Gradual, manageable changes can lead to lasting improvements in health. While changing everything at once may feel daunting, starting with small, achievable steps can make the process more sustainable.

Starting with Meaningful Diet Changes

A good place to begin is by identifying foods that negatively affect your health. You may have noticed that certain foods, like sugary snacks or sodas, lead to headaches or fatigue. Start by gradually reducing your intake of these problematic foods.

For example, many people consume soda daily, even though it contributes to weight gain and energy crashes. Instead of quitting all at once, a more effective approach might be gradually decreasing the amount consumed. This method can be applied to any processed food that feels difficult to cut out.

Take the time to identify one processed food or drink that negatively impacts your health and work on reducing it over a month. This gradual reduction can help avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to maintain healthier habits in the long term.

Citations:

1 Kellogg's

2 A Short History of MSG by Jordan Sand

3, 4, 5 Aug 20, 2013 | by Evelyn Kim Processed Food: A 2-Million-Year History, Scientific American

What is Real Food? : 1:28

Video text transcript.

Processed Food Audit

Objective: Identify and reduce the amount of processed food in your daily diet.

Instructions:

  • Take a close look at your pantry and refrigerator. List all the processed foods you find, such as prepackaged snacks, frozen meals, or sugary drinks.
  • Make a separate list of whole foods you already have, like fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains.
  • For one week, replace one processed item with a whole food alternative. Track how you feel after each meal to note any changes in your energy levels, mood, or digestion.

Wean Off One Processed Food

Objective: Gradually reduce your reliance on a favorite processed food item.

Instructions:

  • Choose one processed food you consume regularly, such as soda, chips, or sugary cereal.
  • Over the course of a month, slowly reduce the amount you consume. For example, if it's soda, start by leaving a little bit in the can or bottle each time until you're only drinking a small amount.
  • Monitor your progress and how you feel throughout the process. Keep a journal to document any changes in your energy levels, mood, and overall well-being.

Course Outline



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