The whole food diet may seem like a fad, but really, it’s just the way people are suppose to eat. There’s nothing trendy about it. Moreover, there’s nothing difficult about it. Whole foods are everywhere in abundance: fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, grains, unprocessed meats — these are all whole foods. All you have to do to get your hands on these nutritious and delicious treats is head to your grocery store or farmers market.
There’s a smorgasbord of reasons you should switch to a whole food diet, but a handful top the list as the most compelling. Read on: here are five reasons why whole foods should make up most — if not all — of your diet.
1. It’s Healthier
Here’s the big one! Eating a diet rich in whole foods is simply better for your mind and body. Eating too many processed foods has been shown to increase one’s risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The reason is simple: pound for pound, there is simply more sugar, salt, unhealthy fat and additives in processed foods than whole foods. The result is a sick body bogged down by toxins.
That’s right: contrary to popular belief, eating a diet rich in whole foods is cheaper than eating a ton of processed foods. Sure, getting two bags of potato chips for $5 may seem like a better deal than buying one 5lb bag of apples for $6, but think about it: how long are those bags of chips going to last you? A family of 5 could tear through them in one sitting. But that 5lb bag of apples? That could last two or three days. When you’re looking to eat more affordably, stretching your dollar is a must.
3. It’s Easier
Going to a vending machine to grab a candy bar may seem super easy, but do you know what’s even more simple? Reaching into your bag to grab a bag of baby carrots. Or a pear. Or a whole food snack, like Tolman’s whole food mix. Don’t get caught up in making excuses about why you just don’t have the time to eat cleaner. The truth is, it’s the easiest way to eat!
4. It’s Better for the Environment
Eating whole foods is more sustainable and environmentally friendly than eating food that was made in a factory. Less of our planet’s valuable resources were wasted in its production, and in fact, the natural production of whole foods is good for the environment. The trees and plants which grow many of these edibles work to cleanse the air and enrich the soil.
5. It Sets a Good Example
If you have children, your food choices will impact your children’s health. You need to set a solid example by living a healthy life yourself, and that involves eating a diet high in whole foods. With childhood obesity on the rise, there’s never been a better — and more critical — time to start living better for your wee ones.
You have five amazing reasons to make whole foods a bigger part of your diet. Know what you don’t have? Excuses! Next time you go shopping, load up with nature’s bounty and enjoy a happier, healthier life.