As a grandmother watching my grandchildren three days a week, I have become more determined than ever to feed them fresh, organic food made from scratch. In a world where processed foods dominate the shelves, I want to give them something better—real nourishment, free from harmful chemicals, dyes, and sugars. It’s not just about food; it’s about their future health and well-being.
Why Processed Foods Are Harmful: What Every Parent Should Know
The modern food industry has made it easier than ever to fill our plates with convenience over quality. Packaged foods, fast food, and snacks are often loaded with artificial ingredients, preservatives, and added sugars. Many of these additives have been linked to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and behavioral disorders.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, processed foods are considered "dead food"—they lack prana, the vital life force and energy needed to sustain health and balance in the body. When food is overly refined, stripped of its nutrients, and loaded with artificial chemicals, it becomes tamasic in nature, meaning it promotes lethargy, imbalance, and disharmony within the body and mind. Eating fresh, organic, and naturally prepared meals not only nourishes the body but also enhances digestion, mental clarity, and overall vitality.
Research has highlighted the effects of artificial food dyes and additives on children's behavior:
California State Report (2021): A comprehensive study by UC Berkeley and UC Davis confirmed that synthetic food dyes can cause hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral issues in some children. (Read more)
Environmental Health Journal Study (2022): This study found concerns about the possible association between synthetic food dye exposure and exacerbation of ADHD symptoms in children. (Read more)
Ohio State Health & Discovery (2024): Research suggests that food dyes can lead to hyperactivity, mood swings, and irritability in some children. (Read more)
From an Ayurvedic perspective, processed foods, including those with artificial additives, are considered tamasic—promoting lethargy and imbalance. Consuming fresh, natural foods enhances vitality and mental clarity. (Read more)
One of the biggest concerns is the widespread use of chemical dyes and artificial ingredients. These additives are known to trigger hyperactivity and behavioral changes in children, yet they are still widely used in processed foods. I’ve become particularly mindful of this because there is concern that Jackson may be autistic. Research suggests that while chemicals, dyes, and sugars may not be the root cause of autism, they can certainly exacerbate symptoms and make it more challenging for children to regulate their bodies and emotions.
How Processed Foods Contribute to Obesity, Diabetes, and Autism
The health effects of processed foods extend far beyond hyperactivity and behavioral concerns. The rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, and autism have been rising steadily in the U.S., and our food choices play a crucial role in this trend.
Obesity: About 19.3% of children aged 2-19 in the U.S. are obese, and 6.1% have severe obesity. Among adults, nearly 40% struggle with obesity. Excessive consumption of processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats is a major contributor to this epidemic.
Diabetes: Research suggests that obesity is linked to 30% to 53% of new type 2 diabetes cases annually. This disease, once rare in children, is becoming more prevalent due to poor dietary habits.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Currently, 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with ASD, a significant increase from previous years. While the rise in diagnoses can be attributed to better awareness and screening, many parents and experts are questioning the role of environmental factors, including food additives and chemicals.
Teaching Kids About Healthy Eating: Fun and Easy Ways to Get Started
One of the most rewarding parts of my journey is teaching my grandchildren about food in a way that makes it fun and interactive. We take regular trips to the grocery store, and I use these outings as an opportunity to educate them about where their food comes from. They get excited about picking fresh vegetables, holding a giant head of broccoli, sneaking in eating a few green beans from the store as we talk about them, and learning how different foods fuel their bodies. Jackson, however, is insistent that sugar is good for him! As I have moved away from processed foods for not just him but the whole family, we have all experienced better health. I've noticed that when Jackson eats wholesome, protein-rich foods, his focus improves, and his behavioral challenges lessen.
We also cook together, making healthy snacks like protein balls out of organic nuts, seeds, nut butters, honey, and dried fruit. This hands-on experience not only teaches them valuable skills but also deepens their appreciation for real, wholesome food.
Support Local and Eat Organic: A Wholesome Food Journey
Although I no longer work at the farm, I still support and appreciate the work that they do. Working at the farm was great fun and great exercise, but unfortunately, with running my own business and raising my grandchildren, it just wasn't sustainable for me to work there any longer.
The Treehouse Studio will once again be a pickup location for Many Hands Organic Farm’s CSA on Mondays from 4-7 PM, beginning June 2nd.
I have been doing CSA shares for 14 years, and I recognize that it can be overwhelming to take on a share—cooking vegetables you’ve never eaten, not knowing how to use them, or even what they are. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Throughout the whole season, I add new recipes to my website several times a week, helping you make the most of your CSA share. Many Hands Organic Farm also features one of my recipes in their newsletter and provides helpful prep, storage, and preserving tips.
Nourish & Balance: Your Go-To Resource for Whole Food Recipes
In my journey to eliminate processed foods, I’ve created Nourish & Balance, a recipe page filled with wholesome, Ayurvedic-inspired dishes that celebrate real, whole ingredients. The site is still currently under development, but current features include filtering by dosha, season, and taste. More features are being added soon—stay tuned as I launch these exciting updates!
I add several new and seasonal recipes weekly, so be sure to bookmark this page. New additions are always featured at the top of the page for easy access. These recipes are designed to help you transition to a whole-food diet with easy meal ideas, snack alternatives, and meal prep strategies to make healthy eating simple and sustainable.
I would love to hear from you! What features or additions would be helpful for you on the recipe pages? Feel free to email me your thoughts at jennifer@jenzenliving.com.
FAQs: Transitioning to Wholesome Eating with Ayurveda & Whole Foods
Making the shift from processed foods to a whole-food diet can feel overwhelming. Here are answers to some common questions, combining both Western and Ayurvedic perspectives to guide your journey:
1. How can I start eliminating processed foods from my diet?
Western Perspective: Begin by reading food labels and avoiding artificial ingredients, preservatives, and added sugars. If you can't pronounce an ingredient, it’s likely something your body doesn’t need.
Ayurvedic Perspective: Notice how different foods affect your energy and digestion. Processed foods create stagnation (tamasic energy), while fresh, prana-rich foods enhance vitality.
2. What should I eat instead of processed foods?
Western Perspective: Opt for whole foods—vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and high-quality proteins.
Ayurvedic Perspective: Favor seasonal, locally grown foods that align with your dosha and the time of year to maintain balance and support digestion.
3. How does cooking at home help my health?
Western Perspective: Preparing meals from scratch allows you to control ingredients, reduce processed additives, and increase nutrient density.
Ayurvedic Perspective: Cooking with mindfulness infuses food with positive energy (sattvic qualities), making it more nourishing for the body and mind.
4. What are the best ways to support digestion?
Western Perspective: Stay hydrated, chew food thoroughly, and eat fiber-rich foods to promote gut health.
Ayurvedic Perspective: Eat warm, freshly prepared meals, include digestive spices (such as ginger, cumin, and fennel), and avoid ice-cold drinks, which weaken agni (digestive fire).
5. How can I replace processed snacks with healthier alternatives?
Western Perspective: Swap out processed snacks for whole-food alternatives like nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, and homemade granola.
Ayurvedic Perspective: Reduce rajasic (overstimulating) foods like refined sugars and excess caffeine. Instead, opt for grounding snacks like soaked almonds, dates, or spiced herbal teas.
6. What are some sustainable habits for long-term success?
Western Perspective: Plan meals ahead, batch cook, and keep healthy options readily available to reduce reliance on convenience foods.
Ayurvedic Perspective: Eat mindfully in a calm environment and follow daily and seasonal rhythms to align with nature and support optimal digestion.
By making small, intentional changes, you’ll experience improvements in energy, digestion, and overall well-being. Every step towards whole, natural foods is a step toward greater health and balance.
A Call to Action: Choose Real Food
If you’re ready to take the next step in your food journey, consider joining Many Hands Organic Farm’s CSA and making fresh, organic produce a staple in your home. Fresh, seasonal eating not only supports your health but also reduces reliance on processed foods by providing nature’s best ingredients at their peak nutrition.
The Many Hands Organic Farm CSA offers multiple pickup locations, including Treehouse Studio on Mondays from 4-7 PM, making it easier to access fresh, organic produce no matter where you are. Learn more about CSA options and find a pickup location near you at mhof.net.
Together, we can nourish our families and create a healthier future—one meal at a time.
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