Are You Eating Too Much Processed Food? The Answer is Probably Yes!

Unfortunately, in our busy world, the answer is probably yes.  In our busy world we are all probably eating too much processed food and that is not good for our bodies.  Many experts believe that up to 90% of the money we spend on food is for convenient processed foods. Processed foods are not usually balanced and generally do not contain adequate fiber and other nutrients. The also usually contain preservatives, artificial coloring and flavoring agents, and various other ingredients the body was not designed to deal with.  Our bodies were made to exist on natural whole foods but over the years we have learned to preserve foods, make them convenient, change the flavors to our liking with additives, etc to the point we are mostly existing on processed foods. 

Natural foods are real food and carry their original life-supporting vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants and many other phytonutrients that can easily be lost in processing.  Ever wonder why we as Americans spend so much on vitamins and supplements?  We are replacing what has been lost in processing.

As best you can, it is best to buy fresh foods. While that is not always possible, in general it is better to go for frozen fruits and vegetables than canned, when you cannot purchase fresh or grow your own.  Following is a tasty recipe that exemplifies just how easy it is to cook a dish using fresh foods.  This dish is quick, easy, the perfect side for a healthy grilled chicken breast or other lean protein.

HEALTHY BASIL BROCCOLI
1 bunch of fresh broccoli
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
pinch of red pepper flakes
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
sea salt
1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes*
2 tsp lemon zest

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. 

Cut the broccoli florets off the stalks and peel the stems.  Cut stems into bite-sized pieces.

Add a pinch of the sea salt and the broccoli to the boiling water and blanch for 30 seconds. Drain and run cold water over the broccoli to stop the cooking process - broccoli should still retain its bright green color.

Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat.  Add the garlic and pepper flakes to the oil and saute 30 seconds.  Add the tomatoes and a pinch of salt; saute another minute.  Stir in the drained broccoli and 1/4 tsp of the sea salt, if needed; saute 2 minutes.  Broccoli should still be firm.  Gently stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and the basil. 

*May substitute diced red bell pepper, if desired.

Serve immediately. eftovers may be stored in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days in an airtight container.

Yield: 4 servings. serving: 125 calories, 7.7 grams total fat (1.1 saturated), 13 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams protein, 5 grams dietary fiber, and 125 mg sodium.

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