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A couple named Tj Power and Georgia Rose embarked on a week-long challenge to eliminate ultra-processed foods from their diet. They aimed to explore the effects of such a significant dietary shift. Ultra-processed foods, which are often high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, have been linked to various health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and mental health disorders. They posted the challenge on Instagram and shared easy recipes for anyone to try to eliminate UPF from their diet.
Regarding the same diet plan posted by the influencer, we reached out to our expert, Varnit Yadav and asked about the benefits of eating whole foods cooked at home.
Couple Ditched UPF And Opted For Whole Foods
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TJ Power, a neuroscientist and a social media influencer posted a reel on Instagram. He even had his girlfriend, Georgia Rose, a clinical nutritionist, as the duo involved careful meal planning and cooking with whole, minimally processed ingredients. They even posted a few easy recipes that anyone can try.
Meal 1
- Rice cakes
- Mashed avocado
- Fried/scrambled eggs
- Maldon salt
Meal 2
- Greek yoghurt
- Chopped banana
- Frozen raspberries
- Frozen blueberries
- Local honey
Meal 3
(steak bowls)
- Grass-fed steak
- Chopped lettuce
- Roasted butternut squash
- Sliced avocado
(chicken broths)
- Organic Chicken
- Beef bone broth
- Gruyère cheese
- Roast courgette
- Roasted aubergine
- Roasted carrots
- Pudding
- Pitted dates
- Chopped banana
- Chopped strawberries
- Melted dark chocolate
- Cover then freeze for 30 mins
For the couple, it was hard in the beginning but got used to it later in the week. The non-UPF diet challenge impacted their sugar cravings and their overall mood. By the end of the challenge, they began to love the food.
ALSO READ: Study Reveals Frozen Pizza May Harm Body’s Biological Ageing Process
Expert Shares The Impact Of Non-UPFs
Non-UPFs can sometimes be more expensive and harder to find, making it challenging for some families to choose healthier options. Our expert, Varnit Yadav, Exercise and Nutrition Coach shares that we need to take a balanced approach to our diets.
“I have always been a proponent of cooking homecooked meals for optimum health outcomes. The couple implemented the same approach of choosing to control their portion sizes, picking wholesome food items and managing all the variables such as the quality of ingredients, cooking methods, and meal timing, that allowed them to feel better,” he said.
- On the other hand, it was wise to eliminate ordering from outside or picking high-calorie, heavily processed, unhealthy items.
- The highly processed food is hyper-palatable and lacks any meaningful nutrition.
- Having control over what you feed your body will be an instant game changer in how you feel, function and sleep.
- A good, wholesome meal not only nourishes you but also makes you feel full, satisfying your hunger and reducing the temptation to overeat.
The nutrition coach further emphasises that it allows for a great recovery for any and all activities that you perform.
ALSO READ: Trying To Lose Weight? Nutritionist Reveals 4 Foods To Avoid When Dining Out
Takeaway
While ultra-processed foods may be a comforting meal for many, it does come with their own side effects on health. The couple witnessed the change in their overall mood and diet patterns. Numerous researches and studies have discovered the harmful effects and impacts that UPFs can have on our bodies. Even our expert shared how homemade whole foods cooked at home can be a better alternative, leading to a healthier life.
However, if facing any issues regarding dieting problems, it is always prescribed to consult a professional.