Health Minute: Detox from overly processed foods

CNN —   While some processed foods help preserve and enhance nutrients, others, high in added sugars and sodium can be linked to health problems, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

But breaking up with some of your favorite, but oh-so bad foods and snacks can be tough.

Some things to keep in mind…..

Start slowly.  If going cold turkey doesn’t appeal to you, try taking baby steps. Slowly eliminating more-processed foods will help increase your chance of staying on course.

Supplement your meals with fresh foods.  According to Jackie Newgent, a registered dietitian, try adding a piece of fruit at breakfast or some veggies during lunch.

Stop adding salt to foods.  If you can’t live without some flavor, try adding some pepper or even garlic to spice things up.

Choose whole grains over processed grains.  Choose brown rice, whole-wheat pasta and whole-grain bread as your healthy alternatives.

Plan ahead.  If you get the urge or craving for something highly processed simply because of the convenience or lack-of-time, try planning out your snacks. Trail mix, Greek yogurt, and hummus are great go-tos.