Healthy Habit # 8 Junk In - Junk Out

Junk in? Eating "junk foods" has a predictable bad effect on your health.

Junk out! You may experience mood swings, low energy, decreased enthusiasm, weight gain and constipation problems. A diet largely of junk food increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and other chronic diseases.

What is a Junk Food?

Any food that has poor nutritional value is considered unhealthy and may be called a junk food. A food that is high in fat, sodium, and/or sugar is known as a junk food. Junk food is easy to carry, purchase and consume. Generally, a junk food is given a very attractive appearance by adding food additives and colors to enhance flavor, texture, appearance, and increasing long self life.

Remember, junk foods are empty calories. An empty calorie lacks in micro-nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, or amino acids, and fiber but has high energy (calories). This energy fuels your body and is utilized to maintain health.