The need for one to reclaim “real food” in a world that is dominated by fast food and pre-packaged meals has never been more imperative. Real food is humanly processed and not artificially processed. From the vegetables to meats taken from grass-fed and pastured animals, whole grains, seeds, fruits, and nuts, real food retains most of its nutrients even when cooked. These are not only good sources for all critical vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but also free of any extra additive or artificial substance. Win, win!
Processed food, on the other hand, is modified from its natural form for convenience, to increase shelf life, or for aesthetically pleasing looks. (Yes, you heard that right…HOW IT LOOKS!) These food products include fast foods and microwave dinners, processed breads, and cereals. They are usually loaded with additives, preservatives, artificial flavorings, and color enhancers, way too much sugar, unhealthy fats, and sodium—all contributing to increased health risks.
Health Implications
Eating this food regularly leads to exposure to obesity, heart diseases, diabetes, and other chronic ailments that processed foods can exacerbate. The sheer number of calories, sugar, and fat is insanely high. Processed food lacks essential nutrients and the chemicals and preservatives are likely to interfere with the natural functioning of our bodies (like absorption, cell repair, etc.) and often create more problems for those people who are already struggling with ailments.
Real foods, on the other hand, are rich in nutrients and healthy!
The high vitamin, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber content are perfect for disease prophylaxis. For example, organically grown produce are fresh and not ladened with synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
What are the nutritional benefits of embracing fresh REAL food?
Eating real foods, especially those with a high amount of antioxidants, such as berries, apples, and organically grown vegetables, help us fight oxidative stress. This, in turn, reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Meats that are raised locally, like grass-fed beef and pastured poultry & pork also offer relatively low fats and high omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the inflammatory response of your body. Real food fiber is key for gut health. Fiber helps to support regular bowel movements and encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Supporting Mental & Environmental Health
Emerging research finds that eating nutrient-dense food is linked to a lower risk of depression and even boosts cognitive function. Additionally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents in real food doesn’t just protect the brain but is also useful for improving mental performance.
On the environment-side, organic and sustainable farm practices reduce pollution and save water. They also keep the economic engine well-oiled locally. (Buy local!)
Tips for Incorporating Real Food into Your Family’s Diet
1. Choose Variety: Choose from the widest array of fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
2. Shop Local: Support of local farms and businesses, helping the doors stay open and, by doing so, gain access to the freshest, most nutrient-dense foods available.
3. Read Labels: Avoid products with labels that look more like a list of additives and synthetic ingredients. Bleck!
4. Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables: Plan meals around whatever is in season during that time. Not only does it taste better, but it also maximizes nutrition when these items are at their peak!
5. Grow Your Own: If space allows, home gardening can be a enriching way to keep access to truly unadulterated foods. If you want to get a great start, you can buy organic compost and seedlings from local farms, like Rime Farm!
To choose real food is a pretty substantial commitment but it’s completely doable. The benefits are immense particularly in helping to prevent chronic diseases and boost body health. At Rime Farm, we are all about conserving natural resources and biodiversity and eating locally grown and raised real food supports environmental sustainability and promotes economic growth, too.
So going forward, you can’t un-know these things. You CAN make conscious choices when it comes to what you eat. Real food nourishes bodies and lives.
Let’s all make healthy choices that make the next generation thankful to us—choose real food, choose sustainable. If you’re in Downeast Maine, can can also choose Rime Farm or any other local farm! 🙂
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