Processed and refined foods have certain components like fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and water removed. “Ultra-processed” means these foods have been processed in a major or severe way.

Dent corn, for example, undergoes several processes to become food. It is ground, pressurized, and treated with high heat and chemical solvents. It is then decolorized, deodorized, and combined with artificial flavoring, coloring, fillers, preservatives, and flavor enhancers.

Food can be defined as “that which is eaten to sustain life, provide energy, and promote the growth and repair of tissues.” Ultra-processed foods do not meet this criteria!

Ultra-processed foods contain three main ingredients: sugar, starches, and seed oils. Check the ingredient list and avoid these foods!

1. Sugar The sugar in processed foods is often highly altered. Synthetic sugar such as glucose syrup, corn syrup, and dextrose is most often utilized.
2. Starches Starches are highly processed, synthetic chains of sugar. They aren’t the same as starches found in vegetables. Avoid synthetic starch, like modified cornstarch and maltodextrin.
3. Seed oil Seed oils such as corn, soy, canola, and cottonseed, are highly processed, refined, and treated with chemical solvents.

Ultra-processed foods are devoid of vitamins and minerals, which are essential in digesting and using calories. When you eat foods without vitamins and minerals, your body has to pull from its reserves.

Ultra-processed foods are terrible fuel for your body. Ketones are an alternative fuel source that allows you to tap into your body fat for fuel between meals.

Pills are often prescribed for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar rather than addressing the diet that’s causing the problem in the first place.