This means that for the vast majority of our eating, we should avoid highly processed foods, and opt for a variety of whole foods. When looking at this, think about the Mediterranean diet. It is an excellent example. Even the sweets are whole foods, just not in excess. 

Why is REAL food important?

NUTRITION!

A well-nourished body helps our body systems to work well. Eating highly processed food low in nutrients creates kinks in our system that reduce efficacy and efficiency, and make us sick. Making it very hard indeed to lose weight easily. The more whole foods you get, the healthier your body will be, and the better your organ systems will work, including your brain for important decision-making. 

If you are starting at a base of eating mostly highly processed – think white long life bread, takeaway junk food, packet chips and sweets, very little vegetables – then even small changes to your diet will help you get healthier and reduce your risk of disease. 

Let’s consider some YES foods and LESS foods.

YES

• The rainbow of vegetables
• nuts*, seeds, and grains etc 
  *in moderation – they are calorific in bulk
• Meats in their basic form – chicken (poultry), fish and seeafood, beef (in moderation)
• Eggs and dairy or dairy substitutes
• Vegetarian forms of protein – tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils
• Healthy fats – olive oil, canola, omegas, 
• Gut healthy foods – kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha

LESS (or none)

• Processed meats such as bacon, lunch meats, salami, etc 
• Sugar
• Artificial sugars – why?
• Alcohol
• White breads and pasta (wholegrain is better for fibre and nutrition)
• Saturated fats – found in coconut, meat and dairy