Start off by choosing one day a week where you have absolutely no processed foods. Maybe it would be easier to do it on a weekend if you are less busy and stressed. Remember, only wholesome, natural foods with no extra additives, hormones, or ingredients you can’t prounounce. At the end of day, make it a point to write down how you feel. More energy? More focused? Less heartburn?  Even the next morning make it a point to document how you feel when you wake up. More alert? More energized? Ready to seize the day?

After you wean yourself off of processed foods for one day completely for 4 weeks in a row, then try to add in another day of the week you will be processed foods free. Yep, that’s two complete days per week…you can do it! Keep you journal of how you feel each day. Also, be alert to how other things in your life might be changing. Are people around you treating you better? Are you more effective and efficient at work? Are you accomplishing more in your personal and professional life? Do you have a more positive attitude in general?

So while those pretzels or that burger slider might be calling your name, if it’s your designated processed foods free day, resist and stick to the plan, and know that you are adding years to your life and giving your body what it expects anyway and what it was designed to digest.

(Jack Witt is a Health and Fitness Coach providing In Home Personal Training, Personal Training at Private Fitness Centers in the North Hollywood, Burbank, Studio City, Sherman Oaks areas, as well as Worksite Health Programs, Corporate Wellness, Life Coaching Products, and Group Exercise Classes)