The Truth About Processed Foods and How to Cut Them Out
Processed foods are everywhere — from breakfast cereals and energy bars to canned soups and frozen dinners. While some processing is necessary to make foods safe and convenient, the modern diet often relies too heavily on ultra-processed foods. These are products packed with artificial ingredients, refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. The truth? Processed foods are one of the biggest hidden threats to your long-term health. This article breaks down what they are, why they’re harmful, and how you can start cutting them out — without giving up taste or convenience. What Exactly Are Processed Foods? Processed food simply means any food that has been changed from its natural state. Not all processed foods are bad — pasteurized milk, canned beans, and frozen vegetables are examples of minimally processed items that can be part of a healthy diet. The problem lies with ultra-processed foods (UPFs) — industrial formulations made mostly from refined ingredients and additi...