There are significant distinctions between these two categories. To examine this further, let’s focus on the primary difference between “Real Natural” and “Packaged” foods.
Real Natural Foods: These are unaltered, straight from nature, without any modifications.
Packaged Foods: These are products that have undergone processing, packaging, and have been altered or enhanced in some way.
However, if we take an extreme standpoint, these descriptions may not be entirely accurate. The human body can consume and process various types of food, including modified and processed ones. The quality and impact of different foods on our health can vary, some being beneficial and others harmful.
The extensive debate surrounding the health implications of our food choices won’t be the primary focus here. What truly matters is that everything we consume has the potential to either benefit or harm us. We need to be cautious about what we put into our bodies, regardless of the short-term, long-term, or secondary effects.
Now, let’s shift our attention to packaged products.
How can we conduct research to understand the contents of food items? Do we rely on the packaging to inform us about what’s inside? Do we truly comprehend how our bodies react to certain foods? Are we fully aware of what we are feeding our children?
We must also acknowledge that while packaged foods (processed meals) affect individuals in different ways, there are certain fundamental reactions that we all experience, albeit to varying degrees.
Now, I would like you to consider the contents of your pantry and fridge. Take a moment to reflect on what you have stocked. It is crucial to be honest in order to gain maximum benefit from this information.
This is important because we often deceive ourselves into thinking that certain items are “just a small amount” or “an occasional treat.” The real question is whether these items truly qualify as treats. What determines the frequency of treats for children? Having a treat every night is not really a treat; it becomes an integral part of their daily diet. Are we consuming too many unhealthy items that are detrimental to our bodies?
Here’s a typical list of items you might find in most pantries and refrigerators in Western society:
Potato crisps (packaged chips) / corn chips
Cookies
Rice crackers / rice and corn shapes
Cupcakes
Donuts
Muslie bars / rice bars / nut bars
Chocolate bars
Candy / lollies on sticks / wrapped sugars / toffees / chewy bars
Mints / breath mints / candy suckers / lollie suckers / lozenges
Pre-made pasta meals, instant noodles
Soft drinks / carbonated sodas / soda pops
Juices, fruit drinks, and pre-squeezed vegetable and fruit juices
Wines and beers
Now, let me ask you this: Where are the real ingredients? Where are the fruits and vegetables? Is this a staple diet for you?
Observe how you or your children react after consuming packaged foods. There is a noticeable difference. As a parent, I have witnessed both negative and positive behavioral changes associated with food.
I know my preferences, but what about yours?
The Glycemic Index (GI) measures how quickly our bodies digest food. Higher GI values indicate faster digestion and processing of food, resulting in a rapid energy boost. “Low-GI foods” are processed slowly, providing a gradual release of energy. Some naturally occurring foods also have higher Glycemic Index values. However, it is important to note that packaged foods are predominantly high on the GI scale.
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