2023-12-20 02:14:53
The Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods and How to Enjoy Festive Meals in a Healthy Way
As the holidays approach, many of us look forward to the delicious meals and festive treats that come with the season. However, a recent study has found that a staggering 8 out of 10 products in the supermarket are ultra-processed, raising concerns about the impact on our health.
Inge Coene, a nutritionist at the nutrition information center NICE, explains that highly processed foods often contain unrecognizable ingredients and are nutrient-poor and/or energy-dense. This means that they are high in fat, salt, or added sugars and provide little to no essential nutrients. Consuming large amounts of these foods is associated with an increased risk of obesity and other non-communicable diseases.
So, how can we enjoy the festive table in a healthy way? Chef and head dietitian Michaël Sels at the UZA suggests making healthy eating easier by adjusting our environment. This can include increasing the availability of healthy snacks and adjusting portion sizes. For example, adding twice as many vegetables to a meal leaves less room for consuming a lot of ultra-processed foods.
Sels also shares valuable tips for preparing healthy, festive meals without sacrificing taste and eating pleasure. He recommends incorporating healthy snacks such as oysters and experimenting with healthy festive soups to add variety to the menu. Instead of starting with a main ingredient such as meat, he suggests starting with vegetables and building a festive meal around them.
To further encourage healthy eating, Sels advises offering a diverse range of foods on the festive table, stating that people are more likely to taste everything when presented with a variety of options.
For those looking for healthy festive recipes, Sels recommends cauliflower kibbeling with spicy mayo and chef Sofie Dumont suggests salmon tataki with ginger-soy sauce. These recipes offer delicious alternatives to traditional festive treats.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to be mindful of our food choices and find ways to enjoy the festivities in a healthy and sustainable way. By incorporating these tips and recipes, everyone can partake in the holiday spirit while prioritizing their health.]
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