Ultra-processed foods account for more than half of the calorie intake in America's diet, and health experts continue to encourage us all to cut.
Large quantities of these foods, usually high in sodium and saturated fat, are associated with chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and colorectal cancer.
“We've been working hard to get a lot of money,” said Jinan Banna, a registered dietitian and nutrition professor at the University of Hawaii.
“They may also contain additives, and in many cases they are stripped of their nutritional value,” Bannah reported in 2024 CNBC Make. [and] fiber. “
Processed meats like chips, donuts, hot dogs, and even plant-based milk are all examples of super-processed foods. And nutrition experts like Bannah and Harvard trained nutrition psychiatrists usually avoid them.
Ultra-processed foods that these nutrition experts never buy
1. Instant soup
“I generally don't consume any instant soup at all,” Banna said. “That's not something I buy.”
Instant soups that contain noodles and flavoring packs are usually high in saturated fats and sodium. Lack of fiber also makes for a low nutritional choice.
Banna says it can be swapped with canned soups containing low-sodium content, but the best option is to make your own soup at home. Make sure you're packed with nutritious vegetables and beans and add a bit of fiber.
2. soda
As for drinks, Banna says she won't reach for soda.
“Soda has no nutritional value other than calories in the form of sugar,” she said. “They are empty calories and don't give us the nutrients we need.”
Drinking soda can lead to cravings. Because it can quickly digest and feel hungry.
Banna usually choose tea or water that will shine even in stills. “Sometimes I drink cold hibiscus tea. Of course, regular water is a great alternative,” she said.
“Of course, even coffee is an option, but it's consumed in moderation.”
3. Sweet breakfast cereal
Grains like frost flakes and fruit loops are some of the most consumed, Naidu said.
“Breakfast cereals tend to be almost simple carbohydrates with almost a day's worth of sugar,” she wrote to CNBC Make last year.
“Consuming this as your first meal of the day can lead to blood sugar spikes that tend to get hungry a few hours later and reach for sweet treats between meals.”
Naidoo doesn't eat them and says the best breakfast is nutrient-rich and has a balance of fat, protein and carbohydrates.
She usually starts the day with a “brain-healthy breakfast” like this:
- Egg scrambling with vegetables like tomatoes, avocados and spinach
- Homemade chia seed pudding with blueberries and walnuts
- A green smoothie with lush greens, nut butter and clean protein powder – if you're in a hurry
“A balanced breakfast with these components will move you and your mind up until the morning and support you in healthy food choices later in the day,” she said.
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