Research tells us that ultraprocessed foods are particularly bad for our health, yet nearly half of older adults have symptoms of junk food addiction. But not everything processed is bad for you. Last week, I wrote about
25 Processed Foods That Are Actually Good for You and asked readers to tell me which healthy processed foods you eat and which unhealthy ones you crave. Here are just two of their stories.
For a long time, I had great success in avoiding ultraprocessed foods. I was almost fanatic about it. But when I get deeply depressed, I crave comfort foods and junk snacks. I love those glow-in-the-dark orange cheese puffs! I also crave ice cream and potato chips, among other bad things. I'm still in my depression, but I'm working hard to get back to a healthy diet. I rely on nonfat milk, plain Greek yogurt with fruit or walnuts and honey, bagged salads, frozen fruits and veggies, and popcorn and Triscuits with cheese for my snacks. I also include canned beans and brown rice instead of white rice in my diet. Instead of ice cream, I have frozen bananas covered in dark chocolate. Still,
it's a struggle. I sometimes cheat with Cheerios Cinnamon Oat Crunch, which is less healthy, because it’s high in sugar. I allow myself dark chocolate with a high degree of cacao. So, for me, I feel it’s a constant battle of good versus evil foods. —Judi Jacobs Camden, Maine
My husband and I use quite a few of the items listed. We purchase frozen fruits, canned beans, canned and frozen tuna/salmon/shrimp, sauerkraut and nut butters. We also eat cereal with no sugar added, tomato sauces, olive oil and pumpkin puree. We avoid many of the ultraprocessed foods like prepared canned pasta (ravioli, spaghetti, etc.), packaged boxed dinner meals, and most canned soups and broths. We also avoid frozen dinners, desserts and pizzas. We generally try to avoid bakery/deli foods but occasionally will purchase some sandwich meats and cheeses. We also avoid snack cakes and potato chips. One temptation, though, is an old childhood favorite: SpaghettiOs and Meatballs. But
we only have that maybe once or twice a year. LOL! —Rebecca Dorton, Tennessee |