Here’s what happens when you trade the fake food for the real deal.

Everyone has heard the phrase “processed foods” by now, but many people don’t really know what life would be like without them. Here’s a hint: Your health, mood, and appearance will improve—dramatically!

Processed foods are chemical-laden, addictive foods usually sold in jars, boxes, and bags, and armies of well-paid food scientists make it their missions to come up with recipes that appeal to your taste buds, even if it means causing havoc to your health. “These foods are so hard to say no to because they are loaded with added sugars and fats, which physically change how they feel inside the mouth,” explains Lauren Minchen MPH, RDN, CDN. “The altered texture and taste actually make the body crave more of it.”

What’s even scarier is that something called “ultra-processed food” exists, which is like the worst of the worst. According to a study published in BMJ Open, these kinds of products make up almost 60 percent of our daily calories and 90 percent of the added sugar we consume. Yikes!

Here’s the final kicker, though: When you put processed foods into your body, not only are you choosing to fuel your body with nasty chemicals, you’re depriving it of the nutrients it needs. Processed foods are often stripped or void of nutrients, so it’s not like you’re eating an apple slice that’s been dipped in gasoline; you’re not even getting the fiber from the apple anymore.

From weight loss to migraine relief, you can reap some serious health benefits if you ditch processed foods. Find out how your life will improve, below, and then discover the 30 Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods to load up on instead!