By reducing or completely eliminating processed foods, your family can experience better health, less sugar and salt intake, and less risks for obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease! Since processed foods often contain unhealthy preservatives, colorings, additives and extra levels of salt, sugars and other artificial flavoring, you can take a step towards better health by eating more whole foods that are full of the real nutrition that your body needs.

1. Avoid shopping through the supermarket aisles. The aisles are where all the canned, boxed and processed foods are. Instead, shop around the fresh produce section, the dairy and fresh meats section. If you steer clear of the aisles, you’ll be less likely to buy that pack of junk food or that can of processed meat.

2. Buy fresh foods often. Instead of buying a can of fruit cocktail, buy fresh fruits. By making fresh foods the only option in your pantry, your family will be motivated to make healthier food choices because you’d have primed them to eat unprocessed fare.

3. Purchase bread from the bakery instead of the supermarket. You don’t know how long a loaf of bread has been sitting on the supermarket shelf! By purchasing whole-grain breads straight from the bakery, you can be sure it was baked on the day of purchase. Go for breads with a shorter shelf life (no preservatives) and refrigerate or freeze them.

4. Cook food from scratch. Make a menu plan and prepare foods that can be frozen and reheated for eating later on. By doing so, you avoid the need to fry foods, which are the typical go-to foods these days for busy families.

5. Take advantage of supermarket salad bars and delis. So many supermarkets now offer salad bars and ready-to-eat meals; go for these options instead of fast food. Here, you can choose from a variety of deli foods, such as sushi, salads and sandwiches which are made fresh.

6. Make snacks instead of buying packaged snacks. Avoid excess salt, fat, and dangerous preservatives from junk food, prepackaged cookies and crackers and other snack mixes and sweets. Instead, opt for fresh snacks made from vegetables or fruits. For example: Make sweet potato fries in the oven, or have some celery and carrot sticks with freshly-made chickpea dip, or have some Greek yogurt with fresh fruits.

7. Bake your own desserts. Packaged baked goods are full of artificial flavors and preservatives that help prolong their shelf life. Instead of these, make your own desserts, brownies, cookies and cakes so that you control the ingredients that go into them, steering clear of preservatives and other artificial ingredients.