Avoiding Ultra-Processed Foods Is Completely Unrealistic

"One day recently, my son had two long, back-to-back doctor appointments, which meant he was in the car and in waiting rooms for much of the afternoon. His lunch and snack would not have earned me a healthy-mom award: peanut-butter puffs, a grape-jelly Uncrustables sandwich, and a package of mixed-berry oat bites. All ultra-processed foods, the new boogeyman of public health."

"I have many years of experience as a health reporter, and I understand the importance of healthy eating. I'm well aware of the fervent push by both right- and left-leaning health authorities to get Americans to eat fewer ultra-processed foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents limit their kids' consumption of ultra-processed foods, including "anything in a crinkly bag"-that is, everything my son ate that day."

A child's car and waiting-room meals included peanut-butter puffs, a grape-jelly Uncrustables sandwich, and mixed-berry oat bites, all ultra-processed foods. Health authorities across the political spectrum urge Americans to eat fewer ultra-processed foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics specifically advises parents to limit children's consumption of items 'in a crinkly bag.' Some movements and experts blame ultra-processed foods for driving the obesity epidemic and call for warnings or segregation in stores. Online communities and influencers promote homemade or unprocessed alternatives, often highlighting presentation rather than children's acceptance. Many working parents find eliminating ultra-processed foods impractical amid daily caregiving demands.

Read at The Atlantic