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I gave up processed foods for 30 days and this is what happened — Best Life
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I gave up processed foods for 30 days and this is what happened — Best Life

Reheating a frozen pizza or ready-to-eat meal is quick and convenient, but your health could pay the price later. Ultra-processed foods are defined by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) as primarily “composed of chemically modified substances extracted from foods, along with additives to improve taste, texture, appearance and durability, with minimal, if any, inclusion of whole foods” .

A recent study published by the BMJ reveals that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to 32 serious health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, mental health disorders, and more. Additionally, ultra-processed foods are associated with a higher risk of dying.


Ultra-processed foods usually contain more than five ingredients and are filled with flavor enhancers and additives to make them tasty so you eat more of them. They can be highly addictive, and while sugary breakfast cereals, sugary yogurt, chips, cookies, and other tempting processed foods can be delicious, limiting them or taking a break is healthy.

Best Life spoke to people who cut out processed foods for 30 days, and here’s what happened.

RELATED: These Popular Breakfast Foods Could Make You Age Faster.

Beautiful skin

A happy woman with beautiful skin looking in the mirror

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A few times a year, Beth Bourgeoisan independent public relations contractor, stop eating processed foods. “I usually do it every January, after the excesses of the holidays,” she says. She does this to see how eating whole foods affects her health and always gets positive results. “I do this for several years in a row, and each time I notice how good my skin looks,” she says. Plus, she usually also loses a few pounds, but her husband loses 10 to 15 pounds “Men” , she jokes.

Cutting out processed foods can improve your skin because many processed foods contain high levels of sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives that can trigger inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a key factor in skin problems like acne, redness and dullness.

Some symptoms have disappeared

A man feels dizzy while going for a runShutterstock

For over a year, Heather WilsonMotorsport communications and marketing consultant, at High-speed successexperienced recurring unexplained dizziness and felt like she was going to pass out. His doctors gave him no advice and his blood tests were normal. “I was getting to the point where I was afraid to commit to anything because I didn’t know how I would feel,” she tells us.

However, after eliminating processed foods from her diet, her health improved. Processed foods often cause rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar, leading to dizziness and malaise, while additives and preservatives can increase inflammation and bloating. By eliminating these foods, Heather likely stabilized her blood sugar, reduced inflammation, and improved her overall gut health, leading to the resolution of her symptoms. “I didn’t really have confidence that anything would work, but I started to feel a lot better,” she says. “I wasn’t bloated for the first time in my life – I didn’t even know it until I stopped the (bad things). I stopped feeling dizzy and having l I felt like I was going to pass out. It’s literally gone.

Better blood pressure

Man checking blood pressureiStock

Many ultra-processed foods contain salt, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike. When Wilson changed her diet to “mostly chicken and turkey” and cut out processed foods, she felt better and saw other positive results. She tells us: “I lost almost 15 pounds (never my intention to lose weight, but an added bonus!). My blood tests are back to their best level in 10 years! My blood pressure went from 137/89 to 101/71 in just a few months!

Eliminating processed foods can help lower blood pressure because these foods are often high in sodium, which can cause the body to retain water and increase blood volume, putting extra pressure on the walls. blood vessels. Additionally, processed foods lack essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and fiber, which help regulate blood pressure by balancing sodium levels and promoting healthy blood vessel function. By switching to a diet of nutrient-dense, whole foods, you naturally reduce your sodium intake and increase your essential nutrients, promoting healthier blood pressure levels.

Overall improved health

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There are many reasons why people stop eating processed foods, and Vickie Petz KasperMD, podcast host Health suits youI received an alarm signal. “One Saturday morning, I woke up with loss of vision in my left eye,” she explains. “After numerous tests, it was determined that I had a stroke to the optic nerve.”

She says: “While I was touting the benefits of whole foods, I wasn’t following my own advice. Immediately, I cut out everything that was processed. In a short time, I lost 8 pounds. My weight was within the normal range, but after menopause I had some belly fat that needed to go. I also had better sleep, better digestion and more energy. Most importantly, my blood sugar and cholesterol levels have improved.

RELATED: Ultra-processed foods: impact on your body.

Managed autoimmune disease

Avocado Sandwich with Fried Egg - Avocado slices and egg on arugula toastShutterstock

A balanced diet consisting of meats, vegetables, nuts, eggs, high-fat dairy products, low-glycemic fruits like berries, and healthy fats like olive oil and avocado has help Anna Vocinoauthor of three bestselling low-carb Eat Happy cookbooks and founder/CEO of clean food company Eat Happy Kitchen improve your health.

“I manage my two autoimmune diseases, my weight, and my blood insulin limit for type 2 diabetes by avoiding processed foods,” she says. As a result, Vocino helps others by creating healthy recipes.

“I’ve helped tens of thousands of people quit sugar, and the first 14 days are the hardest,” she explains. “I tell people to commit to 60 days so they can really see the difference in their health and palette after quitting sugar.”

How to Stop Eating Processed Foods

A woman stands in front of the refrigerator looking for a snack Shutterstock

Thinking about giving up processed foods? It’s not easy at first, but here are some tips to help you quit this bad health habit.

-Avoid temptation by keeping junk food out of the house, says Dr. Kasper

-Eat at home. Wise choices can be made when dining out, but it’s more of a challenge, says Dr. Kasper

-Meal preparation. According to Bourgeois, planning and preparing your meals in advance makes the difference

-Track your weight and measurements. Take before and after photos of yourself to assess changes over those 30 days, says Bourgeois

-Have snacks or other foods on hand in case of cravings, recommends Bourgeois. “For example, because I like to crunch, I often have nuts on hand to satisfy that salty/crunchy craving.”