Wellfie Wednesday Tip #136: "Ultra-Processed" Foods

Happy Wellfie Wednesday! Welcome back! This week is brought to you by Patrick (@TheFuelPhysio). So this week a study was released that spoke on “ultra-processed” foods and researchers found an associated 14% higher risk of dying early with every 10% increase in the proportion of ultra-processed foods. Though they do conclude that further research is needed to confirm their findings, meaning it’s not something that necessarily needs to be shouted from the mountain top.

They term ultra-processed foods as “manufactured industrially from multiple ingredients that usually include additives used for technological and/or cosmetic purposes.” "Ultraprocessed foods are mostly consumed in the form of snacks, desserts, or ready-to-eat or -heat meals." Basically those foods with a laundry list of ingredients you can’t pronounce. Some critics of the study mention that the researchers don’t go into enough detail as to explaining what foods are actually considered “ultra-processed.” Because yes, most food is “processed” as it is probably cut, trimmed, washed, sealed, and packaged.

Now what we do have tons of evidence on are the benefits of eating “whole,” “real,” “natural,” (whatever you prefer to call fruits, veggies, grains, legumes, and other protein sources). So instead of trying to purposely avoid something, look to adding or swapping for healthier options. And it may take a little effort, initially. Read your labels. Choose minimally processed, if possible. Choose plant-based foods!

For me, I’m not going to never eat bacon again, but I do make an effort to limit the amount I consume and swap for healthier options.

Thanks for all of the support, be sure to post your pictures this week and tag the WW crew members in your post (@TheFuelPhysio, @Eric_in_AmERICa, @FreestylePhysio, @DianaKlatt) and keep the wave of healthy change going!

- WW Crew