While there are many diets and lifestyle eating plans for improved health, most align with the idea that whole foods are the best foods for that goal — and they also offer the most benefits for body and mind. Sphinx Date Co. offers some easy tips for eating more whole foods.
An article on the Mayo Clinic website reports that clean eating (aka eating mostly whole foods) is the “practice of choosing foods in their whole-food state, and avoiding processed and refined foods. Clean eating is an intentional way of eating that includes only minimally process, nonpackaged foods that don’t originate from a factory.”
While there is some prep involved in eating a mostly whole food diet, many whole unprocessed foods are ready to eat as nature intended such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. The Mayo Clinic states that these unprocessed foods (and other plant-based foods as well as meat and dairy) tend to be rich in essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals and fiber. They are also naturally low in saturated date and sodium.
The site even goes on to say, “Evidence from large population studies and randomized clinical trials have linked a diet higher in plant-based whole foods to lower occurrences of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and certain types of cancer. If that isn’t reason enough, whole plant foods can be grown and harvested while having a smaller impact on the environment and can be surprisingly affordable.”
Eating a mostly whole food diet may seem daunting at first, so take some baby steps. Clear out the processed and refined foods from the pantry and focus on the fridge — most whole foods are fresh and perishable. There’s no need to go cold turkey (except for those that thrive in that mode), but rather focus on one whole food meal to each day until every meal is comprised of delicious whole foods.
When grocery shopping, leave the middle aisles be — that’s where most of the processed, packaged and refined foods are hanging out. Instead, hit up the produce section, the meat, poultry and seafood department and skim through the dairy section as well.
Remember to keep it simple — whole food eating does not have to be complex to be delicious. A perfectly balanced meal can consist of a grilled protein such as chicken, beef or salmon paired with roasted vegetables and whole grains, beans or lentils.
Don’t be afraid of fat! Many generations have been taught to avoid high-fat products but more recent research points to the fact that good fats are in fact good for the body! Avocados, seeds, nuts and oils can all be incorporated into a whole food meal to add flavor and texture.
Speaking of flavor — herbs, spices and other flavorings like vinegar (there are so many yummy varieties) can be used to level up a simple whole food meal.
And don’t forget dessert! Dark chocolate and dates are practically a match made in whole-food heaven! So it’s okay to indulge in these healthy whole foods (in moderation, of course).
Sphinx Date Co. encourages people to give whole food eating a try… While there are incredible physical health benefits of eating a whole food diet, there are also incredible benefits to one’s mental health including supporting cognitive brain function, boosting mood and even reducing risk of depression.