Processed foods are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugars. They can also contain artificial colors, preservatives, and other additives that may harm your health.

Cutting processed foods from your diet may help you lose weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and improve your overall wellbeing. Here are 11 simple steps to help you cut processed foods from your diet:.

1. Understand What Processed Foods Are

Processed foods are any food item that has been altered in some way or has added ingredients. Processed foods can be whole foods that have been cut up or canned, or they can be highly processed and contain many ingredients that you cannot pronounce.

The key is to recognize what processed foods are so that you can avoid them.

2. Read Food Labels

Reading food labels is one of the best ways to avoid processed foods. The label should be an indicator of the ingredients in the food item. Look out for excess sugars, fats and salts.

Items with long ingredients lists and those that contain unfamiliar ingredients are often highly processed.

3. Cook at Home More Often

Cooking your meals from scratch can help you avoid processed foods. You can use fresh ingredients and avoid unhealthy fats or excess colours and preservatives.

Cooking at home can also increase awareness about nutrition and help you make better choices when shopping for processed foods.

4. Plan Your Meals

Planning your meals ahead of time can help you avoid the temptation of processed foods. When you have a plan, you are less likely to make impulsive decisions about what you will eat.

Planning ahead also allows you to prepare healthier meals and helps you save money by avoiding processed foods.

5. Shop at Farmer’s Markets

Farmer’s markets often have fresh fruits, vegetables and other whole foods that are less processed than supermarket options. Buying from local farmers can also help you eat in-season and help reduce your carbon footprint.

6. Avoid Fast Food

Fast food meals are often highly processed and loaded with calories, unhealthy fats and sugars. While they may be convenient, you are better off cooking and preparing your meals yourself. Fast foods can also be a source of hidden, trans-fats.

7. Choose Whole Foods

Whole foods are often less processed and contain more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than processed foods. They can include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and nuts and seeds.

Try to make whole foods the foundation of your diet and swapping out processed snacks for whole ones.

8. Fill up on Water

Water is essential for many bodily functions and can help you avoid processed drinks like soda or juices packed with sugar. Try to drink water instead of juice or soda most of the time.

You can also flavor your water with herbs or fruits to keep things interesting.

9. Try to Make Your Own Snacks

Snacks that are pre-packaged and processed are convenient but can be unhealthy. Instead, try to make your snacks from whole foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Home-made snacks can also be nutritious and cheaper than processed ones.

10. Learn to Spot Hidden Sugars

Sugars can be hidden in many processed foods and drinks. Learning to spot them is important so you can avoid them. Some examples include syrups, artificial sweeteners, and high-fructose corn syrup.

You can check the ingredients list to identify sugar in processed foods.

11. Avoid Processed Meats

Processed meats like hot dogs and deli meats can be high in sodium and unhealthy fats. These foods have also been linked to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Instead, try to eat lean meat like chicken, fish, or turkey.

By following these 11 simple steps, you can start cutting processed foods from your diet. Remember to be patient, as it can take some time to adjust to a new way of eating. Eat well and stay healthy.