eating whole foods | Food on the Table

There are many reasons to learn more about the whole food diet. Whole foods are generally considered foods that are natural, unprocessed, and free from genetically-enhanced ingredients. Whole foods have been feeding humans naturally for thousands and thousands of years. Its no surprise that interest in eating this way is booming; America’s common diet is full of additives, chemicals, and unnaturally processed ingredients. And this way of eating is making people sick.

Proponents of the whole food diet believe that eating whole foods is healthier and can be a great way to feel better and lose weight. Further WebMD says that switching to a more whole way of eating is a great way to boost phytochemicals, fiber, and good fats in your diet. Here are some simple guidelines to get you started on your path towards whole foods:

DO:

Drink plenty of water. Avoiding processed foods means cutting out soft drinks and artificial juices, too. Water will keep you hydrated and feeling good.
Make the switch from refined grain to whole grain. White bread may seem like a wholesome choice, but the grain in refined flour is very far from its natural state. Look for the words “whole grain” or “whole wheat” on the package.
Find appealing alternatives to your favorite processed foods. Finding comparable substitutes can make the switch to cooking with whole foods a lot easier. WebMD suggests swapping preservative-laden chicken nuggets for organic skinless chicken, or choosing a baked potato with light sour cream over a bag of potato chips.

DON’T:

Focus on the calories. The point of undertaking the whole foods diet is to make a commitment back to more natural, healthful food. If the choice is between a delicious organic in-season avocado and skipping a meal to reduce your overall calories, choose the avocado. The last thing you need to stress your body by depriving it of what it needs.
Load up on carbohydrates. Part of eating whole foods includes eating whole grain, but try to focus on fruits, veggies, and lean proteins instead.

Whether you are trying out the whole foods diet as a way to lose weight or you simply want to get back in touch with a more natural way of life, incorporating this eating philosophy into your life has virtually no downside. Whole foods are better for the planet, and better for our bodies.

Sources:

“The Whole Foods Diet”, WebMD
“The Whole Foods Diet”, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine

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In a world where over-processed refined “diet” foods are often more readily available and affordable than fresh organic produce, it can be difficult to understand what constitutes a healthy choice. But nutritional science affirms that when it comes to health, a plant based whole foods diet is the best choice for health.

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine says that eating a diet of whole, unprocessed food can help relieve mild to severe obesity, glucose intolerance, hypertension, and elevated triglycerides. Many nutritionists believe that most of the health problems faced by people today are due to the prevalence of processed foods, fatty meats, sugars, salts, and simple carbohydrates in the Western diet.

Eating Whole Foods

Some examples of healthy whole foods are fresh green salads and non-starchy veggies, whole fresh fruit or fruit that has been canned without sugar, lean meats and fish, egg whites, low fat cottage cheese and other reduced fat cheeses. A plant based whole foods diet will incorporate all of these foods, but the main element of the diet is the plant based foundation.

Plant Based Nutrition

It’s important to vary plant choices across the nutritional spectrum. Different color of food, both fruits and vegetables, should be incorporated into this diet in order to get a wide healthy array of nutrients. Beans, lentils, and whole grains are part of this foundation. These fiber powerhouses along with fruits and vegetables will keep digestion regulated and stabilize blood sugar. Raw nuts and seeds provide essential protein.

A plant based whole foods diet makes good sense for anyone who values feeling healthy or is ready to start their journey towards a healthy lifestyle. When processed foods are replaced with whole grains, and wholesomely sweet fruit takes the place of sugary carbohydrates, the positive change in the body is amazing.

Sources:

“Plant-based, Whole Food… An Emerging Trend or a Reemergence?”, Food Channel
“The Whole Foods Diet”, Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Medicine

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The Whole Food Diet Do’s and Don’ts

Plant Based Whole Foods Diet Makes Real Sense