You might not think of a trip to the supermarket as a life-or-death situation.
But maybe it’s time to CHANGE how you look at those shopping trips. Because the decisions you make in every aisle won’t just impact how much you pay at the cash register.
They could also lead directly to paying the ultimate price.
Some of those choices… the same ones made by millions of other Americans each day… could play a DIRECT ROLE in two of the most important things imaginable.
- How LONG you live
- How WELL you live
Making the RIGHT choices as you shove that shopping cart with the wonky wheel down the aisle (it’s always that one, isn’t it?) could help ensure you live a long and healthy life. And one where you feel ready and able to meet every challenge.
But make the wrong ones, and it could be just the opposite.
Sure, it may seem obvious at first. But if you’re thinking you’re in the clear because you don’t indulge in much junk food, you could be in for a terrible surprise.
Because new research reveals how it certainly COULD be you.
You see, without even realizing it, many of us are swallowing hidden “junk” lurking in places we would least expect it.
And it could leave you feeling a lot like that damaged shopping cart. Barely able to get around, and without much time left on this earth.
Processed foods are taking over the menu
You do your best to eat right and stay healthy. But who can be perfect for every meal every day?
Let me answer that. NO ONE.
So, like everyone else, you might be tempted to cut some corners here and there. And not just with processed foods, but with the “ultra” processed stuff.
Maybe it’s a frozen meal for lunch. Or you stock chicken nuggets for when the grandkids visit, only to find they make a great quick dinner for yourself when you don’t feel like cooking.
And what’s easier (or cheaper) than those instant noodle meals? They’re about 25 cents each when they’re on sale at Costco for goodness sake.
Throw in snacks and dessert – ice cream, chips, cereals, crackers, and more – and, well, it adds up fast. In the new study, close to a quarter of all daily calories came from these foods.
In other words, processed foods are quietly taking over the menu.
How just ONE change could save your life
And the more you eat of these “convenience foods,” the more your risks rise.
In fact, folks who eat the most ultra-processed foods are 44 percent more likely to drop dead of ANY CAUSE over seven years when compared to people who eat little to no junk (or at least food with minimal processing).
But as shocking as that is, it may be downplaying the risks. Another recent study found ultra-processed foods can increase your death risk by as much as 62 percent.
And before it ENDS your life, it could RUIN it. That same study found those super processed foods can send your risk of heart disease soaring,
So back to that grocery store trip. Follow the old advice and “shop the perimeter.” As much as possible, stick to the edges of the store where you’ll find meat, dairy, and produce. And avoid ducking into those aisles where the heavily processed foods are lurking.
Better still, if you have a farmer’s market near you, get as much of your food as you can from there instead. They’re bigger and better than ever in many places.
Some operate year round, and many now carry local producers of meat, dairy, eggs, yogurt, and more. So you may only have to visit the supermarket to pick up toiletries and paper goods.
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