Live LONGER and HEALTHIER with the “Grocery Cart Challenge”
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 22, 2024
Nobody on the planet who grabs something from a vending machine, thinking, “This is a healthy choice.”
So, if we KNOW it isn’t good for us, why do we do it?
Well, often it’s for convenience. We’re hungry and in a hurry, so grab-and-go foods fit the bill.
But that’s not the only reason we can’t resist the siren call of ultra-processed foods (UPFs)…
The truth is more sinister than that. (Keep reading for the details.)
Even worse, shocking new research reveals that unhealthy is just the tip of a disturbing iceberg when it comes to these foods.
Big Food works REALLY hard to convince us to choose junk food. In fact, food manufacturers make their UPFs practically irresistible.
Scientists even have a name for it… the “bliss point.” It’s the point at which “foods” become so perfectly sweet, salty, creamy, or crunchy they make us crave eating more and more of them.
When you add clever advertising, it’s no wonder we’re addicted.
Many folks make the mistake of thinking UPFs are just the obvious culprits like chips, cookies, sodas, and candy bars. So, they believe their diet is healthy when they resist the temptation to snack on them.
But the truth is, you don’t need to hit the vending machine or snack aisle to end up eating UPFs. Much of the “food” we put into our grocery carts, from cereals to frozen meals, are also UPFs.
Researchers recently explored the health effects of a diet heavy in these foods. The team analyzed 45 pooled meta-analyses from 14 articles, which included nearly 10 million participants.
Their investigation revealed some jaw-dropping facts.
A diet heavy in ultra-processed foods is linked to an increased risk of developing 32 health-destroying conditions or diseases!
We’re talking about serious health issues such as cancer, mental health problems, and, ultimately, early death.
A couple of the MOST shocking findings include a 50 percent increased risk of cardiovascular-disease-related death and a 48 to 53 percent higher risk of anxiety.
Ultra-processed foods are typically low in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. But they’re packed with additives, preservatives, added sugars, and excessive fat and salt.
In Western nations, such as America, these foods account for nearly 58 percent of our daily energy intake.
But there IS a way out of the UPF trap. There are simple steps you can take to protect your health and still enjoy your golden years…
- First, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Next, when you’re at the grocery store, read labels carefully to make better food choices. Look for the ones with the fewest ingredients. Leave packaged foods with a lot of added sugar, fat, and sodium on the shelf.
- Finally, focus on including more FRESH vegetables, fruits, beans, meats, and seafood in your diet.
An occasional packaged item is no big deal. But when the MAJORITY of your diet consists of them, it will destroy your health.
Whenever you go food shopping, play a round of “Grocery Cart Challenge.” To win try to have as few prepackaged items in your grocery cart when you check out as possible. (HINT… sticking to the outer aisles of the grocery store can help you do that.)
Your reward will be a LONGER and HEALTHIER life.
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
“Kitchen Cure” Cracks Prostate Cancer Code
Watchful waiting isn’t your only option with prostate cancer. Scientists have uncovered a FAR better (NATURAL!) option.
Persistent Nerve Pain Relief [NATURAL!]
The burn and sting of neuropathic pain is notoriously hard to treat. But a new approach could FINALLY promise REAL relief for this relentless pain.
Unlock Cinnamon’s Sugar-Taming Secret
Carrying around some extra weight? Concerned about blood sugar? Discover why a daily dose of cinnamon could be JUST what the doctor ordered.
Mailbag: Taste Buds in Turmoil? The Cause of Metallic Mouth
An annoying metallic taste that won’t go away happens to lots of folks. Uncover the most common causes…
Frailty Leads to a Shorter Painful Life? [Surprising FIX!]
Frailty is one of the worst obstacles you face as you age. But this age-old advice could help you stay strong well into your golden years.
Powerful antioxidants and other healthy compounds in coffee fight disease and boost health. But beware, THIS “coffee trap” can UNDO all that good.
P.S. Beware of this common food additive that THREATENS your heart!
Source:
“Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses,” BMJ 2024;384:e077310, doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2023-077310
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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