liv001's Journal, 13 March 2024

I tend to think that most of our health problems are due to poor diet.  

They had a segment on that study on the morning show I watch. I’ve been eating more than I did in the past and also need to course correct my choices. 

Probably true Morticia... input and output I guess. Honee... did they give any examples of the foods they focussed on... I am guessing things like lunch meats maybe? 

https://www.today.com/health/diet-fitness/ultraprocessed-food-health-risk-study-rcna141112 

From that article: Typically, ultraprocessed foods are ready to eat or pop into a microwave — such as frozen entrees, soft drinks, sugary cereals, reconstituted meats and packaged baked goods — and usually contain high levels of fat, added sugars and salt. Because the original food has been highly processed (another term for this type of food), ultraprocessed foods comprise only extractions of whole foods and are low in fiber and vitamins. They're also often higher in calories but keep you full for less time. What is known about ultraprocessed foods is “they’re often packed with things like salt, fat and sugar, which, in excess, are not great for us,” Lane says via email. “But there is emerging research suggesting that other aspects of ultraprocessed foods, like how they are made and the industrial ingredients they contain, might also be contributing to health problems.” The design of these foods is “all about making them taste good and stay fresh for a long time, which makes them very tempting to buy,” Lane explains. “They are everywhere because they are convenient, cheap and heavily advertised.” In the U.S., ultraprocessed foods account for 58% of the average person’s diet, according to the researchers. Ultraprocessed foods are different from just processed foods, which can still have high nutritional value. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines processed food as any food that has its original state changed before reaching consumers, including freezing, dicing or juicing. Baby carrots and canned beans are examples. 

The difference between processed and ultra-processed can be quite staggering, e.g., a bag of frozen wild-caught cod vs. a box of 'fish sticks.' The longer the list of ingredients, the less healthy. 

I watched this the other day. It was very interesting. https://youtu.be/zz2WR6tVg5E?si=ZBRDg4e8sx0dTS4T If you don’t want to click the link, search YouTube for Kiana Docherty, The Disturbing Reality of Ultra Processed Food.  

yep I nearly thought of buying myself what they used to call tv dinners yesterday. I thought better and left it there in the freezer section. I didn't feel like cooking. cooking for one is very challenging. too much sodium for me. 😞 

Morticia you are right because I'm playing catch up for my health. other factors go in hand too. the cost of foods is a big factor. healthy foods are expensive but there's a price to pay if you eat poorly. I'm blessed enough to have a insurance which pays for fresh frozen and no salt or fat added canned , fresh fruits and vegetables. I can say it would be very difficult to eat them without my insurance. Big blessing. 

I recently bough 8 frozen Lean Cuisines to have when I just don't want to cook or after knee surgery. I will eat them! But over time 

I think of ultra processed as meaning starting with processed individual ingredients and combining them into a product which has another level of processing, like preservatives. Not surprised, we've known this for years, convenience sometimes is okay but a lot of people (generational) don't know how to cook from scratch anymore. 

I know it is hard because we all rely on some of the processed foods on busy days but at least we are all armed with the tools to be able to eliminate what we can. I know that has been great for me and helped with inflamation.  

💙eating well doesn't have to be complicated. after some foundational learning, much of a healthy diet is about planning and self-love. 

also, I love this. thanks, Liv💙 

I try to eat mostly unprocessed foods but it's difficult. I have been told before from a few doctors that my clean eating and fitness level are why I was able to have such good results with my heart issues.  

we have almost eliminated all that garbage food from our lives. Little Mountain will have some, and so will I when I get a craving.As I got older, I learned to eliminate it mostly and just eat real food. 

Unity1234, I've found that to be so true. I half-prep ingredients that will go into a few meals all at one time, e.g., slice-and-dice all the raw vegetables I will need for at least three meals, store in pint jars in fridge so it's easy to keep track and waste nothing. Shop with a list that fits those 'meals'...sometimes all I eat is one item or class of food, but trying to mindfully get adequate protein first, veges second, and fruit last. Also keep two good oils (avocado and evo. With a variety of spices and a few flavoring extracts, there's no motony...and almost no chemicals. 

You tube channels Dr Berg, Dr Eckberg, Dr Mindy pelz, Maria Emmerich, Kelly hogan, Steak and butter, Home stead how, Dr Shawn Baker md podcast, Dr Chaffee, Dr Ken berry all have list of what is "Ultra processed food" are. Eat whole foods meat, fish, cheese (not shredded from Europe) etc Basically Ultra processed food is anything that comes out of a Factory vs a farm.  

I just watched the YouTube video Katsolo commented on….its worth the time. 

'Monotony' duh. Yes, Jjbbee, right out of the ground, off the tree or bush...healthier, tastes better, and worth the price if ya have to buy it from the farmer. Planter-farming even a few things is good for the tum and the mind. Living in an apartment or city doesn't have to stop a person from having a mini garden and the internet is glutted with great ideas for such agriculture. Anyone want some back issues of Mother Earth News? ;-)