Other Tips

Has some friend or some article ever told you to avoid processed foods?  Well, guess what. That would be almost impossible to do because most foods have been at least minimally processed before we purchase them or after we handle them at home. Even a cut-up watermelon is considered processed, but how often do you need or want to carry home a whole watermelon? 

Food scientist Dr. Catherine Cutter explains that, from the point of view of the USDA and FDA, “processed food” is any food that has been altered from its original form. She points out the following: “If you peel or cut an apple, you’ve processed it, although only minimally.  If you bake it or turn it into applesauce, you’ve processed it even more.  Bagged lettuce is also processed, and so is pasteurized milk.”

Gulping down breakfast while driving to work?  Eating lunch over your computer keyboard? Devouring dinner in front of the 6 p.m. TV News?  Proud of yourself for your efficient use of time?  Yes, I know. You’ve been told that multi-tasking is the key to success in this busy world.  But, if one of the tasks involved is eating, you may be making a mistake.  No, it’s not because eating will distract you from doing the task correctly (though maybe it will) ;  rather, it’s because, according to recent research and ancient philosophy, distraction interferes with getting maximum benefits from eating.  It could be called “mindless eating,” as opposed to the “mindful eating” recommended by both nutritionists and Buddhists.