Five Reasons to Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods
Why do “bad” foods taste so good? It’s because they’re designed that way. Manufacturers of ultra-processed foods heavily invest in achieving what they call the “bliss point” of sugar, salt and fat to optimize taste. This requires a long list of additives, synthetic fats and flavourings – plus lots of preservatives to maximize shelf life and profitability. Creating cheap, more-ish foods that don’t perish is big business. Tasty treats are good for the soul but there are five important reasons to keep your indulgence under control.
Ultra-processed foods are high in empty calories
Firstly, ultra-processed foods are high in empty calories. Everyone has an ideal number of calories and profile of ideal macronutrients and micronutrients to hit each day. Ultra-processed foods shoot up total calories via sugar, fat and salt without adding any nutrients. It’s simple math that the more low quality calories you eat the more body fat you will carry.
Ultra-processed foods play havoc with blood sugar levels
Unfortunately the damage doesn’t end with a simple “calories-in/calories-out” equation. Ultra-processed foods play havoc with blood sugar which can slow metabolic rate and mean that the calories consumed are more likely to be stored as fat.
Ultra-processed foods are highly addictive
Thirdly, ultra-processed foods are highly addictive. Emotional eating is a common pattern where we’re drawn to sugary, fatty or salty foods in response to negative feelings. Comfort foods stimulate our happy hormone which reinforces the pattern. Over time the cravings can feel less like an inclination and more like a compulsion. Just like a drug or alcohol addiction, over time larger amounts of food are needed to achieve the same result.
Ultra-processed foods are low in water, vitamins & fibre
Fourthly, ultra-processed foods are low in water, vitamins and fibre. This means they do little to curb appetite. It also means they increase the risk of digestive difficulty, heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Ultra-processed foods affect mental health
Finally, too many ultra-processed foods are bad for mental health. There is a well documented mood/food link – good gut health and good mental health go hand in hand. Additives and preservatives compromise the delicate balance of microorganisms in your intestines. This can interfere with the production of serotonin (happy hormone) and melatonin (sleep hormone). Low mood and unsettled sleep are often enough to send a person back to the source for another hit, continuing a downward spiral.
Everyone needs to strike their own balance between food for fuel and food for fun. If you want to experience consistent health and energy levels it’s important to base your daily diet around fresh, unprocessed, nutrient-rich choices.
Ultra-processed foods are high in empty calories
Firstly, ultra-processed foods are high in empty calories. Everyone has an ideal number of calories and profile of ideal macronutrients and micronutrients to hit each day. Ultra-processed foods shoot up total calories via sugar, fat and salt without adding any nutrients. It’s simple math that the more low quality calories you eat the more body fat you will carry.
Ultra-processed foods play havoc with blood sugar levels
Unfortunately the damage doesn’t end with a simple “calories-in/calories-out” equation. Ultra-processed foods play havoc with blood sugar which can slow metabolic rate and mean that the calories consumed are more likely to be stored as fat.
Ultra-processed foods are highly addictive
Thirdly, ultra-processed foods are highly addictive. Emotional eating is a common pattern where we’re drawn to sugary, fatty or salty foods in response to negative feelings. Comfort foods stimulate our happy hormone which reinforces the pattern. Over time the cravings can feel less like an inclination and more like a compulsion. Just like a drug or alcohol addiction, over time larger amounts of food are needed to achieve the same result.
Ultra-processed foods are low in water, vitamins & fibre
Fourthly, ultra-processed foods are low in water, vitamins and fibre. This means they do little to curb appetite. It also means they increase the risk of digestive difficulty, heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Ultra-processed foods affect mental health
Finally, too many ultra-processed foods are bad for mental health. There is a well documented mood/food link – good gut health and good mental health go hand in hand. Additives and preservatives compromise the delicate balance of microorganisms in your intestines. This can interfere with the production of serotonin (happy hormone) and melatonin (sleep hormone). Low mood and unsettled sleep are often enough to send a person back to the source for another hit, continuing a downward spiral.
Everyone needs to strike their own balance between food for fuel and food for fun. If you want to experience consistent health and energy levels it’s important to base your daily diet around fresh, unprocessed, nutrient-rich choices.