Breaking Down Inflammatory Foods

“Many people are strangers to their own kitchen.”

In a world of go-go-go, we live for quick and easy meals, usually at the sacrifice of our health. We rely on fast foods, processed foods, boxed foods, and meal kit deliveries. While these types of food all serve their purpose, and there is for sure a time and a place when we rely on them 100% of the time, we are hurting ourselves more than the convenience is worth.

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The Toll Fast Food Can Take On Your Health

Fast food, though convenient, comes with a hidden cost to our health. Consider the average Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich – it contains over 60 ingredients. The documentary “SuperSize Me” sheds light on the issues with fast food, emphasizing that the taste and convenience often outweigh the negative health effects.

Fast and processed foods contribute significantly to our daily salt and sugar intake. Consuming just one serving of these foods can amount to 10-30% of our daily recommended intake. The allure of these foods lies in their flavor, but it’s essential to recognize the toll they take on our health.

Inflammatory Foods and Gut Health:

To understand the impact of our food choices, it’s crucial to recognize inflammatory foods. Gluten, eggs, soy, corn, and dairy can contribute to an inflamed gut. An inflammed gut can lead to problems with anxiety, rashes, stomach problems, reflux, and more. Many fast and processed foods, including that 60-ingredient Chick-fil-A sandwich, contain these inflammatory elements.

Addressing gut issues involves removing inflammatory foods from your diet. The first step towards healing is embracing whole foods – single-ingredient items like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and organic meats. While occasional indulgence in processed foods is acceptable, a shift towards whole foods is key to prioritizing health.

How To Remove Inflammatory Foods From Your Kitchen

1. Get Creative in the Kitchen:
   • Try new recipes weekly to expand your go-to meals.
   • Experiment with different ingredients to make healthier and tastier meals.
2. Vegetable Counting Game (From The Book Fiber Fueled):
   
   • Challenge yourself to maximize the number of vegetables in a meal.
   • Embrace plant-based and whole foods to support gut health.
3. Shop the Perimeter of the Grocery Store:
   • Opt for fresh produce, dairy, and meats located around the store’s perimeter.
   • Minimize the intake of processed foods found in the center aisles.

Taking control of your health begins with understanding what you are eating. By making informed choices, prioritizing whole foods, and embracing a balanced approach, you will find your health in a better place. So, the next time you’re at the grocery store, remember to shop wisely, eat consciously, and savor the benefits of a nourished body and mind.

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