Reflection 4B: Faking It—On a Processed Foods Fast

Note: For Reflection 4, do only 4A or 4B—not both.

Since WWII, America has come to rely heavily on processed foods—those foods that have, in some way, been altered from their natural state. Low costs, ease of use, and wide availability have made processed foods convenient and popular options at every meal. However, in recent years many have begun to rethink the place of these foods in the American diet. Now, as people are again recognizing the value of whole foods, processed foods are increasingly under fire for their role in everything from obesity to malnutrition to diabetes. 

How difficult would it be for you to avoid eating any prepackaged or processed foods for 3-5 days? Can you abstain from eating anything that comes frozen, in a box, a can, a bag, or any type of packaging, instead eating only whole, natural foods? Which processed foods would be the most challenging for you to give up? Likewise, with which foods are you most likely to cheat with? And if you must cheat, explain the circumstances. For this reflection, attempt to eat only whole foods for 3-5 days, excluding dairy, meats, grains, coffee and tea.

Include at least two of the following articles in your discussion:

• "Eating Clean? Six Processed Foods You Can Avoid and Easily Make at Home" (Eating Well)  
• "I Cut Out Processed Foods for Two Weeks, and Here’s What Happened" (Bustle)
• "What is Clean Eating? 5 Dos and Don’ts for Your Best Body Ever" (Shape)
• "The Beginner’s Guide to Ditching Processed Foods" (Prevention)
• "Eleven Simple Ways to Start Clean Eating Today" (Healthline)

Mechanics:

• 1-1.5 pages in length
• MLA Style

Due: Mon 11.23 (via Canvas)