General Understanding
Why are processed foods so common into todays diets?
They are affordable and convenient
How does processed foods affect energy levels?
Heart disease, diabetes, and obesity
How does processed sugars affect teens who play sports?
Are all processed foods unhealthy?
No, some are healthier than others
What are processed foods?
Foods that have been changed from there natural form by adding additives
How does processed foods affect digestion?
They are often low in fiber which slows digestion
How do processed foods increase diabetes or heart disease risk?
High sugar, fat, and salt strain the body over time
How can processed foods affect sleep in teenagers?
High sugar and caffeine can make it harder to sleep well
What should people look for on labels?
Lower sugar, sodium, and fewer ingredients
What ingredients are often added to processed foods?
Sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, artificial flavors
How do added sugars affect blood sugar?
They raise blood sugar quickly followed by crashes later
Does processed foods affect mood or focus?
They make it harder to focus and affect a persons mood
What are some short term affects for students that processed foods cause?
Tiredness, hunger, and poor focus
How can someone reduce processed food intake?
Choose to eat more whole foods and cook at home more often
What is one common misconception made about processed foods?
All processed foods are equally bad
How does sodium affect the body?
Too much sodium can raise blood presure
Can processed foods effect cholesterol levels?
Yes, unhealthy fats in processed foods can raise bad cholesterol.
How do processed foods affect teenagers?
They interfere with growth, energy levels, and concentration
What is one easy swap to reduce processed food intake?
Choosing whole foods like fruit instead of packaged snacks
How can someone tell if a food is highly processed?
They can make people feel hungry sooner because they don't keep you fuel for long?
Do processed foods impact overall lifespan or quality of life?
Yes, eating a lot of processed foods can increase disease risk and lower long term health.
How do processed foods influence school attendance or motivation?
Poor nutrition can lead to low energy and reduced motivations
How can meal planning help reduce processed food intake?
Planning meals ahead makes it easier to choose whole, healthy foods, instead of quick processed options