When we were kids, my mum restricted us from eating outside-prepared food. At that time we didn’t have many packaged food options available in our small town. However, my mum limited us from eating from the vendors outside the school who sold things like seasonal goodies or flavored shaved ice.

At that time my siblings and I thought my mum was just too strict. But we rarely went against her wishes or retaliated (except when we occasionally shared a few bites from our school friends; sush it’s a secret 🤫 ).

My mum just wanted us to eat what was good for us, but as kids, we don’t realize that, do we?

In fact, not just my mum, but as a kid, I remember hearing this from other adults too that eating junk/fast food  is not that great for your health in the long run.

Now, reflecting back, I understand how much this applies to the food we consume today. What I am talking about is all the highly processed junk foods that are loaded with tons of unrecognizable ingredients. And they are often sitting on the supermarket shelf with an expiry date that seems to last forever.

What my mum was saying back then is exactly what I am now trying to avoid for myself, for my family, and for my clients. However, the scope for processed food is way bigger now than in my childhood. We now have far more choices for eating junk and highly processed foods.

Processed foods are everywhere. Their convenience and cheap price makes it so tempting.

And then the taste is so yummy, you can’t help having more – they’re so addictive!

Sometimes I hear my clients say “oh but I don’t eat junk food that much” or “it’s just for my kids,” But in reality today we are eating more packaged food than before. Take a look at your pantry, or at your shopping cart next time you are shopping. Count how many items are actually real whole foods and how many are fake/food-like products.

Have you ever wondered what goes in your food that makes it so yummy and addictive?  Have you noticed how you feel afterwards? Are you experiencing any nagging health issues that seem to creep up from nowhere?

As family physician, Dr. Mark Hyman says, “Food is not just calories; it is information that radically influences our genes, hormones, immune system, brain chemistry and even our gut flora with every single bite”.

The food we eat can make or break our health. So watch out and be familiar with what you’re putting in your mouth, how it’s prepared, and where it comes from.

One of the simplest, most effective things you can do to lead a healthy life is to reduce, or better yet eliminate, highly processed foods in your diet. Limit food that comes pre-packed including boxes, cartons, jars, bottles, and some cans. These include foods such as cookies, crackers, salad dressings, pasta sauces, and canned or frozen ready-made meals.

So now the question rises, “but then what can I eat?

It’s time to go back to basics, to what our ancestors ate (or be old fashioned again), and switch our diets to eating real wholesome food as much as possible.

What is real food?

Relax, it’s nothing complicated.

Real food comes in its natural state; food that grows on trees or in ground or have a mother. Enjoy the various varieties of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, good quality seafood, and lean meats.

Foods that are minimally processed and with as few ingredients as possible.

I know it’s hard to control all the temptations and to completely avoid them. But believe me once you make the decision then your mindset will shift and it will become easier gradually.

Making the shift from packaged to real foods can be overwhelming and that’s why I have put together a short handbook/e-book explaining more about processed foods and additional tips that are easy to implement.

I am aware that not all processed foods are bad, and it is impractical to completely avoid them, but make a conscious effort to do the very best you can.

Learn to make better choices that nourish your body as well as your mind. Grab your FREE ebook “The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Processed Foods”, and get access to simple tips that has helped my family.