Weight Gain and Processed Foods

Weight Gain–Processed Food Connection

What is it about processed foods that make you gain weight? First of all, most processed foods are low in fiber. Fiber-rich foods such as fruits, veggies, and whole grains keep you feeling fuller longer. When you aren’t as hungry, you eat fewer calories, and are therefore on your way to losing or maintaining your weight without even trying.
Second, many processed foods contain refined grains, sugars, and starches. These refined carbohydrates raise your blood sugar. When this happens, more insulin is produced. When these carbs aren’t quickly burned, the body stores them as fat.
Third, processed foods tend to be high in calories. Since excess calories lead to excess pounds, you have to be extra careful to watch your caloric intake when consuming processed foods. Also, take note of the serving size listed on processed food. You may think you’re eating one serving, but you can easily wind up eating two.
Keep in mind that many of the calories in processed foods are empty calories. This is the case for foods made with refined white flour. These foods contain less nutrition and won’t satisfy your hunger as efficiently as their whole-grain alternatives.
Processed foods made with trans fats or saturated fats will easily pack on the fat. Every time you eat a donut, picture it on your thigh, because that’s where it’s headed!

The Weight Loss Alternative

A diet of fewer processed foods will help you maintain a healthy weight, give you more energy, and prevent chronic health conditions. Aim to eat more fresh and whole foods in their natural state. This includes fresh or frozen fruits and veggies and whole grains. You’ll eat more vitamins, minerals, and fiber, all while consuming fewer calories, less sodium, and less fat.
Tired of counting calories? Good! A diet focused on whole foods rather than on counting calories, avoiding carbs, or watching fat grams is certainly less complicated. Knowing what you’re eating, knowing where your food came from, and knowing each ingredient is important, don’t you think? It makes sense. And keeps your weight right where you want it