Many people will argue that one diet is better for you than another. Health and wellness communities agree that diets that minimize processed foods and emphasizing whole fresh ingredients are superior for overall health. A whole-food, plant-based diet will do exactly that.

A whole foods diet is effective at stimulating weight loss and improving health because of its focus on minimally processed foods.

The basic principles of a whole-foods diet are as follows:

• Emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods.
• Limits or avoids animal products.
• Puts the focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts
• Avoids refined foods, like white flour, added sugars, and processed oils.
• Pays special attention to food quality

There are many benefits of a whole food diet including lower rates of cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Whole foods also include the vast majority of nutrients our bodies crave to maintain their health status.

Fruits and vegetables contain natural compounds that can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular and other diseases called phytochemicals. The best way to make sure you’re getting fiber and nutrients is to eat them in their most natural form.

Another benefit is that when you are eating these whole foods, avoiding unhealthy fats that are contained in fast food becomes easier. In addition to that, you’ll be boosting the number of healthy fats that come from omega-3 oils from fish, walnuts, and plants like avocados.

Eating foods in their natural state to have a balanced diet is what eating healthily boils down to.

Finding foods that haven’t been processed in some way can often be difficult.

Fruits and Vegetables – In their natural state, these are considered whole foods but these can also be processed with additives that are considered unhealthy.

Nuts, Seeds, and Beans – A whole food diet would avoid canned beans, or require you to soak and prepare them at home but in their natural state, again, they are whole foods.

Milk and Dairy Products – Milk being a whole food is still better if you can get your hands on unpasteurized milk. The more a whole food is processed the more nutrients are stripped away.

Meat, Poultry, and Seafood – There is a gray area when it comes to the processing of this category. Some meats can contain hormones that should be avoided in order to achieve maximum health.

Minimally Processed Foods – This category includes sliced fruits, washed salad greens, and other minimally processed foods.

If you or someone you know is looking to eat a cleaner diet, come to Metabolic Medical Centers today! Our team of weight loss specialists has an immense amount of knowledge on how to eat healthier, and whole foods are a big part of that. To talk with an expert, contact our office today. Visit us online or give us a call to schedule an appointment at our clinic. We serve patients from Mt Pleasant SC, Whitehall Terrace SC, and Wando SC.