In today's world, a plethora of unhealthy food options exists, but some choices stand out as particularly detrimental. While everyone has their indulgences, these should ideally be enjoyed sparingly. Sadly, many of these indulgences have become everyday staples for countless Americans, contributing to alarming rates of obesity and rising cancer statistics.
A prominent dietitian and nutrition professor has identified one ultra-processed food that may be a leading factor in the poor health of many Americans. This food is one she strictly avoids, and you might feel compelled to do the same after learning about it.
Section 1.1: The Hidden Dangers of Soda
Recently, I wrote about how the famous singer Post Malone successfully shed 55 pounds by making one significant dietary change. Surprisingly, he didn't eliminate conventional calorie-laden foods like bacon or desserts. Instead, he stopped consuming one of the sneakiest sources of calories and sugar: soda.
During his conversation on the Joe Rogan podcast, he remarked, "Soda is so bad … it's so good but so bad." Post Malone shared that after enjoying a great show, he would often treat himself to a Coke on ice. The transformation in his appearance was so remarkable that he had to clarify on Instagram that his weight loss wasn't due to drug use but rather a commitment to healthier eating and quitting soda for the sake of his family.
Soda is particularly deceptive, packed with sugar and empty calories, making it incredibly easy to consume without realizing it.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Statistics on Processed Foods
A recent CNBC article featured insights from a dietitian regarding foods she avoids. Alarmingly, nearly 60% of the average American diet now consists of ultra-processed foods, a startling figure indeed!
According to Jinan Banna, a registered dietitian and nutrition professor at the University of Hawaii, "Ultra-processed foods contain ingredients that we generally wouldn't find in our kitchen, and they often contain high amounts of sugar and salt. They may also contain additives and are often stripped of their nutritional value. So they may have very little vitamins and minerals, fiber."
Moreover, many individuals are exceeding their caloric limits by consuming soda, which holds no nutritional benefits and doesn't provide a sense of fullness. Since soda is digested quickly, it fails to satisfy hunger, even though it's calorie-dense.
Banna further stated, "Some (processed foods) I would never consume, such as soda. Sometimes I drink a cold hibiscus tea. Plain water, of course, is a great alternative. Even coffee can be an option, of course, consumed in moderation."
It's quite astonishing to consider that simply drinking water, a fundamental necessity for life, could be a better choice.