MAPLE ALMOND CHIA SHAKEOLOGY BALL RECIPE

MAPLE ALMOND CHIA SHAKEOLOGY BALL RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

1 1/4c gluten free oats
1c almond chia butter
1/2c dark chocolate chips
1/3c honey and pure maple syrup
1 packet or scoop of vanilla Shakeology

There isn’t an easier snack to mix up.  Pinky swear.

DIRECTIONS

1. Put all ingredients in a large mixing bowl

*Tip for getting your honey & maple syrup out of the measuring cup: Take a little bit of coconut oil (liquid or solid) and smear it on the inside of your measuring cup before adding the sticky stuff.  Everything will pour right out in to your mixing bowl.  

2.  Mix well to completely combined & form into balls or can be spread out into a pan & cut into squares.  This recipe will make about 16-18 golf ball size balls.

3.  ENJOY! These may be frozen, but definitely need to be refrigerated. 

Thanks to ngukew.com for the recipe & pics! 

Thanksgiving: Shakeology Pumpkin Pie Recipe

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Thanksgiving is right around the corner and as a holiday that focuses primarily on eating, (and gratitude, of course) it can be extremely difficult to stick to your health goals.

However, we have a solution (don’t we always?) that will allow you to stay on point with your nutrition without stuffing yourself—let’s leave that to the turkey only.

We have a Shakeology Pumpkin Pie that only takes 10 minutes to cook. It combines dense nutrition with your holiday favorite—now that’s something to be grateful for this year!

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Shakeology Pumpkin Pie

Total Time: 4 hrs. 20 min // Prep Time: 10 min // Cooking Time: 10 min // (Makes 9 servings)

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What You Need For The Crust

• 1 cup dry quinoa
• ⅓ cup chopped raw walnuts
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp. organic butter, melted (preferably grass-fed)
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup (or raw honey)

What You Need For The Pie

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, divided use
• 3 envelopes (7 gr. each) unflavored gelatin (preferably grass-fed)
• 1 (15-oz.) can 100% pure pumpkin puree
• 2 scoops Vanilla Shakeology
• ¼ cup  pure maple syrup (or raw honey)
• ½ tsp.  ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp. fine sea salt

What You Do For The Crust

1. Preheat oven to 400° F.

2. Grind quinoa in a clean spice or coffee grinder until finely ground.

3. Place quinoa, walnuts, and cinnamon in a food processor; pulse until well mixed.

4. Combine quinoa mixture, butter, and maple syrup in a medium bowl; mix well.

5. Press mixture into 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely!) 

What You Do For The Pie

1. Place ½ cup almond milk in small saucepan

2. Heat over low heat mixing frequently until gelatin is dissolved; remove from heat

3. Combine remaining ½ cup almond milk, gelatin mixture, Shakeology, pumpkin, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in blender or food processor; cover and blend until smooth.

4. Pour pumpkin mixture into cooled crust.

5. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until set.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9 of pie)
• Calories: 210
• Total Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 8 mg
• Sodium: 148 mg
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 14 g
• Protein: 9 g

Greens: The Powerhouse of Nutrition

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Here are some of my favorite greens-I tend to add one or two different ones every week to add variety to my diet.  Try to buy organic whenever possible!!  

Power Greens: Spinach, Kale, Chard, Carrots

a) Spinach: Spinach is a dark leafy green vegetable and one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet! Because it’s high in fiber and very low in calories, spinach can help you manage type 2 diabetes and is a terrific addition to any weight loss plan. It's also packed with nutrients — it's a good source of antioxidants, including vitamin C, beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which help maintain healthy eyes, hair, and skin. Spinach contains very high amounts of potassium and vitamin K, two nutrients that may help preserve bone health. The iron and B vitamins in spinach help maintain strong, healthy hair and a healthy circulatory system.

b) Kale: Kale is a cruciferous and leafy green vegetable from the cabbage family, similar to collard greens. Because it’s a high-quality carb and very low in calories, kale can help you manage type 2 diabetes and is a terrific addition to any weight-loss plan. It's also packed with nutrients: It's a good source of antioxidants, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which help maintain healthy eyes, hair, and skin. The calcium and potassium in kale help keep your bones and teeth strong and may prevent PMS symptoms. Kale is also high in the anti-inflammatory antioxidant quercetin, which protects against arthritis and memory loss, as well as riboflavin, a B vitamin that may protect against migraines. In addition, it is a very good source of vitamin K, which may prevent bone fractures.

c) Chard: Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that tastes somewhat similar to spinach and can be prepared the same way. It is a good source of antioxidants, including vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which help prevent arthritis and maintain healthy eyes, hair, and skin. Swiss chard also contains magnesium and potassium, minerals involved in managing blood pressure and preventing osteoporosis. In addition, magnesium is also helpful for individuals who experience migraines or PMS. Vitamin K in Swiss chard may prevent bone fractures.

d) Carrots (ok, not a green, but it's in my mix, so I'll share their benefits too) Carrot is one of the most healing foods that provides the finest and highest quality in nutrients, especially from its juice. It is an excellent source of pro-vitamin A, vitamins C, D, E, K, B1 and B6.  It is rich with biotin, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, organic sodium and some trace minerals. Carrot greens/tops CAN be eaten. It is very rich with potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K and protein. Potassium is a key mineral in our body, thus high consumption of it keeps all the organs in our body in tip-top condition. The known phytonutrients in carrots are lutein, lycopene, anti-oxidants alpha, beta and gamma carotenes, zeaxanthin and xanthophyll. You don’t need to remember these fancy names, but just remember that phytonutrients are nature’s marvelous provision for healing of various diseases.

Watercress:

Watercress is a leafy green vegetable with a peppery flavor and is often added to salads or used on top of sandwiches. It is a good source of beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that may prevent and manage arthritis, cataracts, and macular degeneration, as well as maintain healthy hair and skin. Watercress is also a good source of vitamin K, which may prevent bone fractures.

Dandalion: Folk medicine claims the dandelion plant is a powerful healer, used to purify the blood, settle digestion and prevent piles and gall stones, among other maladies. The fact is the greens of the humble dandelion provide 535 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin K, which may be the most important source of any other plant-based food to strengthen bones, but may also play a role in fighting Alzheimer's disease by limiting neuron damage in the brain. Dandelion greens also give the body 112 percent of the daily minimum requirement of vitamin A as an antioxidant carotenoid, which is particularly good for the skin, mucus membranes and vision. A flavonoid called zeaxanthin protects the retina from UV rays, while others, primarily carotene, lutein, and cryptoxanthin, protect the body from lung and mouth cancers.  Dandelion greens are high in fiber, which helps your body shed waste. These greens also contain vitamins C and B6, thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, iron (crucial for generating red blood cells), potassium (to help regulate heart rate and blood pressure), and manganese. Other nutrients present in dandelion greens include folate, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper.

Other Favorites:

• Arugula: Arugula (also known as rucola and rocket) is a cruciferous and leafy green vegetable with a peppery taste and is often used in salads. It is a good source of potassium, a mineral involved in managing blood pressure and preventing osteoporosis. Arugula may help boost memory due to phytochemicals — antioxidants found in all cruciferous vegetables. Like other salad greens, arugula is very low in calories, which makes it a great addition to any weight-loss plan.

• Collard Greens: Collard greens are a cruciferous and leafy green vegetable from the cabbage family, similar to kale. They are a good source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant precursor to vitamin A that can help prevent and manage arthritis, cataracts, and macular degeneration, as well as maintain healthy hair and skin. Collard greens are also a very good source of vitamin K, which may prevent bone fractures. In addition, collard greens contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that may prevent macular degeneration.

• Endive: Endive is a bitter leafy vegetable that is often used in salads or eaten as a side dish. There are multiple varieties of endive, including Belgian endive, escarole, and curly endive (frisée). Like other greens, endive is very low in calories, which makes it a great addition to any weight-loss plan. Endive is a good source of potassium, a mineral involved in managing blood pressure and preventing osteoporosis. It is also a potent source of vitamin K, which may prevent bone fractures.

• Escarole: Escarole is a leafy green vegetable that can be used in salads or eaten as a side dish. Like other salad greens, escarole is very low in calories, which makes it a great addition to any weight-loss plan. Escarole is a good source of potassium, a mineral involved in managing blood pressure and preventing osteoporosis. It is also a very good source of vitamin K, which may prevent bone fractures. 

• Lettuce: There are various types of lettuce, but all of them are leafy green vegetables and are low in calories, making them a terrific addition to any weight-loss plan. Some types of lettuce, such as romaine, green leaf, red leaf, bibb, and butterhead, are good sources of antioxidants, including beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and quercetin, which help prevent arthritis, cataracts, and macular degeneration, as well as maintain healthy hair and skin. Lettuce is also a good source of potassium, a mineral involved in managing blood pressure and preventing osteoporosis. In addition, all lettuce varieties contain vitamin K, which may prevent bone fractures.

• Mustard Greens: Mustard Greens are a leafy green vegetable that come from the mustard plant and have a pungent, peppery flavor. They are a good source of antioxidants, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which help prevent arthritis and maintain healthy eyes, hair, and skin. Mustard greens also contain folate, a B vitamin that may help reduce the risk of heart disease, enhance memory, and improve mood, as well as vitamin K, which may prevent bone fractures.

• Radicchio: Radicchio is a leafy vegetable with a bitter taste. It is often added to salads or braised like cabbage for a side dish. It is a good source of potassium, a mineral involved in managing blood pressure and preventing osteoporosis. Radicchio also contains vitamin E and lutein, antioxidants that help maintain healthy eyes and skin.

• Turnip Greens: Turnip greens are a leafy green vegetable that come from the tops of turnip bulbs and can be added to salads or sautéed and served as a side dish. They are a good source of antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which help prevent arthritis and maintain healthy eyes, hair, and skin. Turnip greens also contain folate, a B vitamin that may help reduce the risk of heart disease, enhance memory, and improve mood.

15 Ways to Spice Up Brown Rice

Brown Rice for Weight Loss Study 1

Replacing white rice with brown rice can have a significant impact on weight loss efforts. Whole-grain foods like brown rice have a low glycemic index, and according to a 2006 study, low glycemic index foods are most effective for weight loss. The study suggested that dietary glycemic load, and not only just overall calorie intake impacts weight loss and  blood glucose levels after eating. The researchers found that moderate reductions in glycemic load seem to boost the rate of body fat reduction.

Brown Rice for Weight Loss Study 2

In another study to determine the blood glucose response after eating a meal of ten healthy and nine type 2 diabetes participants  to brown rice in comparison to white rice, the total sugar released in vitro was 23.7 percent lesser in brown rice compared to white rice, thus decreasing the risk of weight gain. In healthy participants, the glycemic index and glycemic area were 12.1 percent and 19.8 percent  lesser in brown rice compared to white rice, whilst in diabetics, the values were 35.6 percent and 35.2 percent lesser.

Brown Rice for Weight Loss Study 3

In a study of forty overweight women between 20 and 35 years of age that were randomly divided into 2 groups who consumed meal replacements containing either white rice or mixture of brown rice and black rice, it was concluded that replacing meals with  mixed rice was superior to white rice for weight control, and improved antioxidant enzyme activity, and as such, should be recommended for diet therapy in obese women.

Brown rice is a fantastic source of magnesium, manganese, iron, selenium, as well as the vitamins B3, B6, B2 and B1. Brown rice is a great source of protein, dietary fiber, and also gamma-oryzanol.

Cheap Sources of Protein for the Budget Conscious

Looking for the best source of high-protein foods? The choices are easy—lean red meat, poultry, fish and organic soy are among your best bets. Throw cost consideration into the mix, however, and suddenly things become less obvious. In these tough economic times, a thick cut of filet mignon is not an everyday option for most people. You just need to find less expensive protein sources to include as a regular part of your diet. I've put together a list of protein-packed sources that won't put you in the poor house. 

EGGS

Loaded with high-quality protein and cheap, eggs certainly deserve mentioning. Just one egg provides 6 grams of protein (11% of the daily value). The composition of vital amino acids, branched chain amino acids and glutamic acid make egg protein the ultimate source for helping your muscles recover after a workout. Cost: For less than $2.00 you can get a dozen eggs, which will give you a whopping 72 grams of protein--now that's a deal. And for about a buck and a half more you can go organic for an even healthier protein option. Value: 36 grams/dollar

CANNED TUNA

If you still want your meat, (and its high protein content) but can't afford the stuff behind the seafood or meat counter, here's your best option. A single, five-ounce can of tuna yields almost 30 grams of protein. However, studies have shown that mercury found in tuna can be harmful to your health. According to the FDA you can safely eat 5.6 ounces of Albacore tuna per week and 16.4 ounces of light tuna. Cost: Tuna is definitely among the cheapest of all lean protein sources. If you don't mind the chunk light (aka dark meat) you can get it for under $1.00 a can. Upgrade to the higher quality solid white tuna and you're looking at about $1.50. Whichever you choose, you'll be sure to get to your daily amount of protein. Value: 30 grams/dollar

PEANUT BUTTER

According to the peanut institute, the peanut contains more plant protein than any other legume or nut. It may not match the amount of protein in a giant turkey leg, but at eight grams per serving it provides an economical way for those on a shoestring budget to get their fill. Cost: On average, an 18-oz. jar of peanut butter will set you back about $3.00. For an extra $2.00, consider almond butter. It has a higher-quality protein than peanut butter and is less allergenic. Value: 38 grams/dollar

WHEY

Perhaps the most cost-effective method to increase protein in your diet, whey provides the body with the ideal amino acid profile for muscle building, strength and recovery. Because whey is also fast digesting, it's well suited as a post-workout nutrition source when your body needs a quick fix of protein. However, because whey protein is isolated from whey, it contains lactose--the natural sugar found in dairy products. If you are lactose intolerant, your body will likely be unable to metabolize the lactose and show signs of allergies. Cost: For the average price of $30, you can get a 2-lb. container of 100% whey protein powder. It doesn't get much cheaper than that for one of the purest protein sources available. Value: 23 grams/dollar

BEANS

Everyone knows beans are typically low in cost and high in nutritious fiber, but they're also loaded with protein. Depending on the type of bean, protein amounts range from about 15 to 25 grams per cup. So chose the ones you like and go to town. One pitfall, if you've ever seen the movie Blazing Saddles, or have been in a poorly ventilated room with a bunch of guys after a barbecue, you know the potent effect beans can have on the digestive system. Cost: Super cheap. A can of protein-rich, black beans for example goes for about a buck in most supermarkets. Add another buck if you want to go organic. Value: 26 grams/dollar

PLAIN GREEK YOGURT

With twice as much protein as regular yogurt, this European version is the smarter choice. While one eight-ounce cup of plain, low-fat yogurt will get you 11 grams of protein, the same size Greek yogurt will give you about 20 grams of protein. Plus it's richer, fattier (the good fat), more nutritious and lower in sugar. Cost: Going Greek with your yogurt is going to cost you more than regular yogurt, but for an average of $2.00 for a single six-ounce serving it's still a great deal and deserving of a spot on this list. Value: 7.5 grams/dollar

TEMPEH (ORGANIC ONLY)

Tempeh is the most nutritious of all soy products. Just 4 ounces of this fermented food provides 41% of the daily value for protein and only 3.7 grams of saturated fat. As an added advantage, the soy protein in tempeh tends to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Cost: At about $3.50 per serving it's a bit higher-priced than the other items on our list, but still a great value for a superior source of high quality protein. Value: 6 grams/dollar

Easy Sugar-Free Pumpkin Butter Recipe (Organic & Vegan)

After trying this recipe, you'll never buy a sugar filled pumpkin butter again...WHY?  Because it's so easy, only FOUR ingredients and takes little time to prepare!

RECIPE:

1 Can of Organic Pureed Pumpkin (Plain)

1-2 tsp Pumpkin Spice (I like a lot)

Stevia (Sweeten to your liking--may also use a mix of Stevia & Erythritol, Like Natural Made)

1/4 Cup Brewed Celestial Seasoning Apple Cinnamon Spice Tea

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan over med-low heat till boils, then simmer for 5-10 mins till it looks shiny & thickens a bit in texture.

THAT'S IT!  So simple--watch my 15 sec video below!

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Gluten/Sugar Free Banana Muffins with Butterscotch Frosting

Banana and butterscotch is a winning combination.  Add to that having no processed sugars or gluten and you’ll be delighted to hand these to your little ones for breakfast or in their lunch boxes.  These are so light and moist and you’ll be able to resist those less than optimal treats being offered to you at work if you have these on hand.

The bonus on this recipe is you can simply throw everything in your blender for mixing.  This will make 6 muffins and can easily be converted to a banana cake.

Banana Muffin Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (with brown spots on skin)
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup coconut flour (another flour of choice would work)
• 1/2 cup coconut butter
• 1 t each cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla powder
• 1/4 t sea salt

Frosting: Optional

• Butterscotch nut butter – Recipe below

Directions:

1. Put ingredients in blender in order listed and blend on high until smooth.
2. Spoon into paper muffin cups or greased muffin tins.
3. Cook at 350 about 25 minutes or until lightly browned
4. After cooled frost with nut butter

Butterscotch Nut Butter Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Raw Cashews ground in a stone grinder until desired consistency or any 16 oz jar of Raw Cashew Butter (I recommend grinding fresh nuts yourself to ensure the quality of the nuts and that your end product is as silky and pourable as possible, but obviously this isn’t necessary or possible for everyone)

• 2 T Powdered Lucuma

• 10 drops White Chocolate flavor made by Medicine Flower

• Sweetener-options can include: Stevia and/or coconut sugar (I used 1T coconut sugar and 1/2 dropper vanilla stevia)

• Vanilla if not using vanilla stevia

• Sea salt

Directions:

Mix together by hand and adjust sweetener to taste

The possibilities of what to do with this butter are endless. I’ll be posting more recipes that use it, however.  For now, use your imagination, eat it straight out of the jar for an on the go treat, spread on bananas, use as a topping for banana ice cream or put it in candy molds and keep in freezer or refrigerator.  The possibilities are endless!

Nutritional Benefits:

Cashews are one of the sweetest nuts making it higher in carbohydrates compared to other nuts. They are high in mono unsaturated fat which has been shown to offer many health benefits. The vitamin, mineral and phytochemical profile is impressive along with important fiber.  Worth an honorable mention is its selenium content which is crucial for manufacturing glutathione peroxidase, possibly your most important antioxidant. Without proper levels of glutathione you will suffer subpar detoxification. (1)

Lucuma is a fruit that provides 14 essential trace elements.  In its powdered form it can easily be added to recipes to emulsify fats and sugars with the end product being very creamy. In a study conducted at Rutgers University it was shown that Lucuma may have anti-inflammatory properties when used topically. My hunch is that it would have the same effect internally. (2)

(1) www.nutrition-and-you.com
(2) www.livestrong.com

High Protein, Low Sugar, Low Fat Zucchini Bread Recipe

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Zucchini Bread: High Protein, Low Sugar, Low Fat

Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

3 large egg whites
1/2 c. baking stevia (I used the NuNaturals More Fiber Baking Blend)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. unsweetened applesauce
2 c. grated zucchini (excess liquid squeezed out with hands)
1.5 c. whole wheat flour
1 c. protein powder (I used natural unsweetened Sun Warrior Brown Rice Protein Powder, but if you use flavored, use less stevia)
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix together the eggwhites, stevia, vanilla, and apple sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together the rest of the ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet until incorporated. I was feeling chocolatey, so I also folded about a half cup of dark chocolate chips into the batter at the end. Spoon the batter into a greased loaf pan, and bake for one hour, or until a toothpick or knife comes out of the loaf clean.

9 Ways That Eating Processed Food Made the World Sick and Fat

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I have long stated that if you want to be optimally healthy, you should spend 90 percent of your food budget on whole foods, and only 10 percent on processed foods. Unfortunately, most Americans currently do the opposite, and their health suffers as a result.

With most foods, the closer they are to nature, the better. It's possible to have some processed foods that are still healthy; for instance, frozen green beans have been "processed" as has butter, grass-fed ground beef, or freshly prepared almond butter.

In most cases, however, the term "processed food" refers to those that are chemically processed and made from heavily refined ingredients and artificial additives. Such processed foods are the bane of Western civilizations' diets. 

Processed Foods Are To Blame...

It's not a stretch to blame processed foods for the rising rates of chronic disease and weight gain around the developed world. Why? Let me count the ways…

1. Processed Foods Are High in Sugar and/or High Fructose Corn Syrup

This isn't only a matter of "empty calories" causing you to gain weight without getting proper nutrition. Excess sugar consumption is linked to insulin resistance, high triglycerides, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

Refined fructose, typically in some form of corn syrup, is now found in virtually every processed food you can think of, and fructose actually "programs" your body to consume more calories and store fat.

Fructose is primarily metabolized by your liver, because your liver is the only organ that has the transporter for it. Since all fructose gets shuttled to your liver, and, if you eat a typical Western-style diet, you consume high amounts of it, fructose ends up taxing and damaging your liver in the same way alcohol and other toxins do.

And just like alcohol, fructose is metabolized directly into fat – it gets stored in your fat cells, which can lead to mitochondrial malfunction, obesity, and obesity-related diseases, especially if you are insulin or leptin resistant.

The more fructose or HFCS a food contains, and the more total fructose you consume, the worse it is for your health. As a standard recommendation, I advise keeping your TOTAL fructose consumption below 25 grams per day.

For most people, it would also be wise to limit your fructose from fruit to 15 grams or less, as you're virtually guaranteed to consume "hidden" sources of fructose if you drink beverages other than water and eat processed food.

It's important to realize that added sugar (typically in the form of high fructose corn syrup) is not confined to junky snack foods or sweets; it's also common in savory processed foods.

For example, most of Prego's spaghetti sauces have one common feature and that is sugar — it's the second largest ingredient, right after tomatoes. A half-cup of Prego Traditional contains the equivalent of more than two teaspoons of sugar!

2. Processed Foods Are Designed to Make You Overeat

Your body is designed to naturally regulate how much you eat and the energy you burn. But food manufacturers have figured out how to over-ride these intrinsic regulators, designing processed foods that are engineered to by "hyper-rewarding."

According to the "food reward hypothesis of obesity," processed foods stimulate such a strong reward response in our brains that it becomes very easy to overeat. One of the guiding principles for the processed food industry is known as "sensory-specific satiety."

Investigative reporter Michael Moss describes this as "the tendency for big, distinct flavors to overwhelm your brain."2 The greatest successes, whether beverages or foods, owe their "craveability" to complex formulas that pique your taste buds just enough, without overwhelming them, thereby overriding your brain's inclination to say "enough."

In all, potato chips are among the most addictive junk foods on the market, containing all three bliss-inducing ingredients: sugar (from the potato), salt, and fat.

3. Processed Foods Contain Artificial Ingredients

Processed foods may contain dozens of artificial chemicals that are in no way real "food." These include:

• Preservatives
• Artificial colors
• Artificial flavors (the term artificial flavor on a label may include 10 or more chemicals)
• Texturants (chemicals that add a texture to food)

Food manufacturers typically claim that artificial food additives are safe, but research says otherwise. Preservatives, for example, have been linked to health problems such as cancer, allergic reactions, and more.

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydrozyttoluene (BHT) are preservatives that affect the neurological system of your brain, alter behavior, and have the potential to cause cancer. Tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is a chemical preservative so deadly that just five grams can kill you.

Or take artificial colors. Nine of the food dyes currently approved for use in the US are linked to health issues ranging from cancer and hyperactivity to allergy-like reactions -- and these results were from studies conducted by the chemical industry itself.3 Artificial flavors aren't much better.

The artificial flavoring called diacetyl, which is often used as a butter flavoring in microwave popcorn, has several concerning properties for brain health and may trigger Alzheimer's disease. Genetically engineered flavor enhancers can also be listed under the artificial flavor (or natural flavor) label.

4. You Can Become Addicted to Processed Foods

Addicted to junk food? Yes, this is a real phenomenon that's backed up by science. Processing modifies or removes important components of food, like fiber, water, and nutrients, changing the way they are digested and assimilated in your body.

Unlike whole foods, which contain a mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fiber, and water to help you feel satisfied, processed foods stimulate dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter, making you feel good even though the food lacks nutrients and fiber. This artificial dopamine stimulation can lead to excessive food cravings and, ultimately, food addiction.

Last year, Oreo cookies were found to be just as addictive as cocaine or morphine, with Oreos activating more neurons in the pleasure centers of rat brains than exposure to illicit drugs did. Potato chips, however, are among the most addictive junk foods on the market, containing three bliss-inducing ingredients: sugar (from the potato), salt, and fat. According to Moss:4

"The coating of salt, the fat content that rewards the brain with instant feelings of pleasure, the sugar that exists not as an additive but in the starch of the potato itself — all of this combines to make it the perfect addictive food."

5. Processed Foods Are Typically High in Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates like breakfast cereals, bagels, waffles, pretzels, and most other processed foods quickly break down to sugar in your body. This increases your insulin and leptin levels, and contributes to insulin resistance, which is the primary underlying factor of nearly every chronic disease and condition known to man, including weight gain. As Business Insider reported:5

"One of the main problems is that refined, 'simple' carbohydrates are quickly broken down in the digestive tract, leading to rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. This can lead to carb cravings a few hours later when blood sugar levels go down again. This phenomenon is also called the 'blood sugar roller coaster' – which many people who have been on a high-carb diet can relate to. Not surprisingly, eating a lot of refined carbohydrates is associated with negative health effects and many chronic diseases.

Do NOT be fooled by labels like 'whole grains' that are often plastered on processed food packages, including breakfast cereals. These are usually whole grains that have been pulverized into very fine flour and are just as harmful as their refined counterparts."

6. Most Processed Foods Are Low in Nutrients

Processed foods often have the real nutrition processed right out, then sometimes added back in in the form of synthetic vitamins and minerals. These synthetics do not fool your body, however, and will not provide the whole, synergistic nutrition that eating whole food will.

Further, there's no way that a lab can "add back in" all of the thousands of phytochemicals and trace nutrients found in whole foods. Science hasn't even begun to uncover all of them. The best way to ensure your body gets the benefits of all the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more that nature has to offer is to eat whole, unprocessed foods.

7. Processed Foods Are Typically Low in Fiber

Public health guidelines from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advise Americans to eat between 20 and 30 grams of fiber a day, but most adults don't even eat half that much. This isn't surprising, since fiber refers to the indigestible portion of plant foods, and in the largely refined standard American diet, healthful fibers are often processed right out. Unless you regularly eat whole fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds, you may be missing out on the healthiest forms of fiber available.

8. It Requires Less Energy and Time to Digest Processed Foods

"Vanishing calorie density" is a term used to describe processed foods that melt in your mouth, which has the effect of making your brain think it doesn't contain any calories. End result — you keep eating. Cheetos is one such example.

Not only can you eat these processed foods faster (think of the difference between chewing a potato chip or a piece of broccoli), but it also takes less energy to digest them. In one study, it took volunteers twice as many calories to digest an unprocessed meal compared to a processed one.6 Those who regularly eat processed food may reduce the amount of calories they burn throughout the day because of this.

9. Processed Foods Are Often High in Trans Fats and Processed Vegetable Oils

Synthetic trans fats are common in foods that contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, such as crackers, chips, most store-bought baked goods, and any fried foods, just to name a few examples. Synthetic trans fats are known to promote inflammation, which is a hallmark of most chronic and/or serious diseases.

Most also contain high amounts of omega-6 fats in the form of processed vegetable oils. These polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) tend to stimulate inflammatory processes in your body, and they are very chemically unstable and prone to oxidation. Consuming these oxidized fats in excess has been linked to all sorts of health problems, such as atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Cancer-Causing Acrylamide Is Another Major Processed Food Risk

If you're looking for motivation to stop eating processed foods, remember that this is about more than eating empty calories or even too much sugar. Processed foods contain many substances that are contrary to health, and acrylamide is one of them. Acrylamide can form in many foods cooked or processed at temperatures above 212°F (100°C), but carbohydrate-rich foods are the most vulnerable to this heat-induced byproduct. As a general rule, the chemical is formed when food is heated enough to produce a fairly dry and "browned" surface. Hence, it can be found in high amounts in many processed foods, especially:

• Potatoes: chips, French fries, and other roasted or fried potato foods
• Grains: bread crust, toast, crisp bread, roasted breakfast cereals, and various processed snacks

Animal studies have shown that exposure to acrylamide increases the risk of several types of cancer, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer considers acrylamide a "probable human carcinogen." Potato chips in particular are notoriously high in this dangerous chemical. So high, in fact, that in 2005 the state of California actually sued potato chip makers for failing to warn California consumers about the health risks of acrylamide in their products. A settlement was reached in 20087 when Frito-Lay and several other potato chip makers agreed to reduce the acrylamide levels in their chips to 275 parts per billion (ppb) by 2011, which is low enough to avoid needing a cancer warning label.

The Secret to Better Health: Eat Real Food

The solution to improving your health and losing weight is often as simple as swapping processed foods for real food.Business Insider reported:8"When we replace real, traditional foods like butter, meat and vegetables with crappy, processed junk foods, we get fat and sick. Real food is the key to good health, processed food is not. Period."

People have thrived on vegetables, meats, eggs, fruits, and other whole foods for centuries, while processed foods were only recently invented. Many of the top executives and scientists at leading processed food companies actually avoid their own foods for a variety of health reasons!

Ditching processed foods requires that you plan your meals in advance, but if you take it step-by-step as described in my nutrition plan, it's quite possible, and manageable, to painlessly remove processed foods from your diet. You can try scouting out your local farmer's markets for in-season produce that is priced to sell, and planning your meals accordingly, but you can also use this same premise with supermarket sales.

You can generally plan a week of meals at a time, making sure you have all ingredients necessary on hand, and then do any prep work you can ahead of time so that dinner is easy to prepare if you're short on time in the evenings (and you can use leftovers for lunches the next day).

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BY DR. MERCOLA