Processed foods Essay

The introduction to processed foods took the world by storm, with quicker food preparation, less time spent cleaning, drive-thru access and the introduction to new recipes. Long before processed foods such as the Twinkie, Honey bun, Spam, frozen dinners, milk, etc; people consumed more wholesome foods naturally loaded with nutrients the human body needed to sustain itself. Processed foods did not exist until the early 19th Century and have since become highly advertised and subsidized by the government. Whole foods on the other hand receive little advertisement and no government subsidies, leading people away from choosing a healthier lifestyle. I believe that processed foods may perhaps taste, look and smell better than their natural whole food counterpart does, yet can you really afford to risk your health for the sake of being happy you had the ability to choose your meal? Many people consume a majority of processed foods throughout the day or week due to their lifestyle; consuming these products in large quantity is an unhealthy habit. These foods are loaded with artificial ingredients such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), flavors, preservatives, hydrogenated oil, fillers, and artificial sweeteners which have been proven in studies to be harmful to the body. Perhaps they do not have time to sit down, the area lacks diners or they do not enjoy eating leftover meals. The products will lead to weight gain, unhealthy joints, muscles, bones, brain and be more prone to illness. Many think that you can exercise and still eat whatever they want. This is untrue as your body needs four essential basic nutrients; water, carbohydrates, fat, and protein. These four are the foundation of a healthy diet. Like the saying â€Å"You are what you eat†, a reasonable person must assume that eating an unbalanced diet full of processed foods is not a wise choice in leading a long and happy life. If you love Twinkies and Spam then you will only be happy for a short time, before your body breaks down and you die. Happiness comes in many ways, from enjoying a favorite meal to burning off stress by partaking in a good run. Personally I like both but favor exercise as it helps prolong my life, reduces stress and keeps my immune system working at maximum protection against viruses such as the common cold and flu. Cardio-vascular exercise helps maintain the heart and lungs. The body needs proteins to build and repair muscles. A good source of protein can be found in lean meats, fish, eggs and beans. Your body is yours, and as such you should do everything in your power to live a healthy lifestyle. A healthier body ultimately leads to happiness. You will look, feel, and perform better in life. People who do not exercise regularly also put themselves at risk being prone to injury. It is safe to assume that eating healthy and exercising regularly leads to a happier you. In summary, people cannot afford to risk health for the sake of happiness. Living a unhealthy lifestyle full of stress, obesity, and illness; mostly due to a sedentary life and processed foods, leads to social, emotional and physical harm. For good health and happiness you should make it a habit to choose unrefined whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole-grains, and include a good exercise regimen a minimum of 5 hours weekly to live strong. You, your family and friends all deserve to live a long, happy and healthy life.