Live LONGER and HEALTHIER with the “Grocery Cart Challenge”

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.

BEWARE of the “Coffee Trap”

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

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

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.

View More Free Articles

Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health

You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...

Read This

WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret

Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...

Read This

Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"

Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...

Read This

Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty

“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....

Read This

Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar

Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....

Read This

Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%

They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...

Read This

Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?

Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...

Read This

Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself

Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...

Read This

What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria

We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...

Read This

Can Your “Poop Schedule” Predict Disease?

We all do it. If you’re alive, you poop. Some of us are so regular that we could set a clock based on our bathroom habits. Others, not so much. And yet, talking about bowel movements remains one of those taboo topics. Even your doctor skims over it during your annual checkup! But the truth...

Read This