The one rule that changes everything.
There is no shortage of advice on how to live a healthier life. From low-carb diets and high-intensity exercise programmes to the latest superfood revolution, the choice is endless. But today we're going to tell you the one health tip that really changes everything.
Not only is it the most effective, it's also the easiest to implement. And the best part? You don't have to do anything new - just leave something out. Sound good? Then let's do it: ditch highly processed foods!
Our diet: from home cooking to chemical cuisine
Our diets have changed radically in recent decades. Whereas our grandparents ate fresh, home-cooked meals, today the food industry dominates our plates.
Did you know this? In the 1950s, processed foods made up less than 10% of our diet. Today, it accounts for more than 50% of daily calorie intake in many Western countries! And it is far more processed!
Fast food, ready meals and snacks dominate our daily lives - with drastic consequences: The global obesity epidemic has reached alarming dimensions, and diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems are spreading in its wake.
Why is this happening? Because our diets are getting further and further away from what our bodies really need.
The problem: The food industry - a contradiction in itself.
"Food" and "industry" - two words that don't really go together. Because while food should be about health, the industry is all about profit. And therein lies the problem.
Large food companies have to produce more cost efficiently and sell more at the same time. This leads to three disastrous developments:
- Inferior ingredients: Real strawberries? Too expensive! Instead, there are flavours from the lab. Real cheese? More like a cheese-like mass of fat and flavour enhancers.
- Increase the addiction factor: Food is deliberately designed so that we don't want to stop eating. Sugar, fat and salt in perfect proportions trigger real feelings of happiness in the brain - similar to drugs.One example: Studies show that ultra-processed foods activate the brain's reward system - and encourage cravings. No wonder a bag of crisps is never half full!
- Snacking as a permanent condition: People used to eat three or fewer meals a day. Now we snack around the clock. And why? Because it's more lucrative for industry if we eat all the time.
So what can we do?
Sounds dark? Well, don't worry! There's an easy way out. Here are five everyday actions you can take to free yourself from the control of the food industry:
- Skip highly processed foods. As a rule of thumb, if it's advertised on your screen or your great-grandmother would not have recognised it as food, it doesn't belong in your shopping basket.Instead, opt for fresh, unprocessed ingredients. Vegetables, fruit, legumes and nuts - the real stars of your diet!
- Cook it yourself. It may sound like more work, but even simple dishes made with fresh ingredients can make all the difference. And best of all, you know exactly what's in it!Tip: Prepare larger quantities and freeze portions - you'll always have a healthy option on hand.
- Avoid snacking. Our bodies need breaks between meals to process food properly. Constant snacking not only overloads our digestive system, but also keeps our insulin levels constantly high - increasing the risk of diabetes in the long term.A new routine: Try to get back into the habit of eating regular meals - your body will thank you!
- Eat properly! Take your time, chew thoroughly and enjoy your food. It takes about 20 minutes to feel full, so don't gorge yourself!Did you know? People who eat slowly consume fewer calories on average than fast eaters.
- Relax! Yes, you can always make an exception! Grandma's cake or a few crisps with a cold soda at the weekend? No problem. After all, life is meant to be fun. The important thing is what you do or eat on a regular basis - not the occasional sin.
What does this have to do with toilet stools?
Good question! Healthy eating starts in the kitchen - but it ends on the toilet. And that is where the toilet stool comes in!
Why is it important to sit correctly?
Our modern toilet posture forces the bowel into an unnatural position, making it difficult to defecate. A toilet stool lifts the legs so that the bowel is in a straight, relaxed position - just like in a natural squatting position.
The advantages:
- Faster & easier bowel evacuation
- Less straining, less strain on the pelvic floor
- Reduced risk of haemorrhoids and digestive problems
In short, if you really want to support your digestion, then don't just eat healthier but also maintain a healthy posture during the last step.
Conclusion: Living healthier doesn't have to be complicated!
We don't need expensive diet plans or superfoods. All we need to do is eat less rubbish and enjoy more real food! Your body (and your gut) will thank you for it.
