The Only “Diet” You Need To Know About
From Atkins to keto, paleo or intuitive eating, there are countless diets out there, each with its own set of recommendations and promises. However, the focus has shifted from just losing weight to prioritizing balanced and healthy meals that benefit both our physical and mental health. Dr Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist at Harvard, emphasizes the importance of eating real, whole, unprocessed, or minimally-processed foods for our overall well-being.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs)?
Ultra-processed foods include items like baked goods, fizzy drinks, high-sugar cereals, ready meals, and various sugary and salty snacks. These foods are linked to numerous negative health outcomes, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mental health issues, and increased mortality. They lack essential nutrients and are full of additives that are harmful to our health.
The Impact of UPFs on Mental Health
The more ultra-processed foods we consume, the higher the likelihood of experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Dr Naidoo highlights the importance of reducing UPF consumption as a crucial step towards improving both mental and physical health.
Choosing Real Foods Over Processed Ones
- Opt for whole foods like beans, fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein, fish, and whole grains.
- Avoid foods with long lists of ingredients you don’t recognize.
- Read labels carefully and choose foods in their natural, unprocessed form.
By focusing on consuming whole, nutrient-rich foods, you can significantly enhance your overall well-being. Remember, what you put on your plate impacts not just your body but also your mind. Make informed choices when it comes to food and prioritize your health.
Dr Naidoo’s advice echoes the importance of nourishing our bodies with foods that support our mental and physical health. By shifting our focus from processed to whole foods, we can truly harness the power of good nutrition for a healthier and happier life.
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