Healthier Eating Challenge: How often do you buy ultra-processed foods?

When we started thinking about the topic of our annual challenge, we quickly came to the consensus that it should focus on ultra-processed foods.

Over the past five years, there has been a rapid expansion of scientific research into ultra-processed foods and their connection to certain health problems.

Now many of us look at what we eat through a fresh prism: we don’t just pay attention to the nutrients in our food; we also look for clues to determine whether food has been processed – and if so, to what extent.

But what should we actually be looking for? And how can we make sense of long ingredient lists?

Today we’re going to play a game to learn about your shopping habits – but first, let’s look at some basics.

What is ultra-processed food?

Ultra-processed foods (UPF) are commonly defined as products that cannot usually be prepared in your own kitchen. They contain ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, protein isolates, emulsifiers and artificial flavors, colors and sweeteners. Think chicken nuggets, scorching dogs, flavored yogurts, soda and many breakfast cereals, packaged breads and snacks.

We don’t have a clear picture of when ultra-processed foods began to dominate our diet. They were part of the American food supply for decadesbut they probably saw an enhance in the 1980s and 1990s when tobacco companies bought several enormous food companies. These companies’ products were more likely to contain a combination of fat, sugar, carbohydrates or sodium that made it complex for them to stop eating. research suggests. Over time, their consumption gradually increased.

Today, ultra-processed foods make up the majority of what we eat – almost 60 percent of calories adults consume in the United States and nearly 70 percent of the calories consumed by children and youth.

How does ultra-processed food affect our health?

Scientists are still learning a lot about ultra-processed foods, but public health experts are increasingly warning that they may contribute to destitute health.

Scientists have linked ultra-processed foods to: 32 health problemsincluding heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, some gastrointestinal conditions and some types of cancer. Studies have also shown links between ultra-processed foods and depression AND Bow.

However, it is not clear whether all ultra-processed foods are harmful to us. For example, one recent study suggests that some products, such as flavored yogurts and cereals, are not. It is also unclear whether ultra-processed foods directly cause destitute health or are caused by other aspects of people’s lives.

It may take decades for researchers to thoroughly investigate why UPFs are linked to negative health effects. Still, most experts agree that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that we should eat less ultra-processed foods.

But we have families to feed and overwhelming choices in supermarkets. So where to start?

Well Challenge Day 1: How often do you buy ultra-processed foods? Let’s find out.

Today we’ll lend a hand you understand how often ultra-processed foods end up in your cart when you go to the market. You don’t have to leave your seat to do this.

We designed a digital game where you go “shopping” to learn more about ultra-processed foods in the store.

Then stay tuned for more UPF challenges throughout the week.