If getting off of ultra-processed foods is a complicated process for you, the place to start is by ditching processed meats and ready-to-eat poultry and seafood. At least that's the conclusion of a study that appeared in BMJ.

Researchers looked at data on 100,000 people in the U.S. from 1986 to 2018 and concluded that those who ate the most processed food — around seven servings a day — substantially increased their mortality risk, especially from neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Parkinson's.

Salami and similar meats pack the biggest whammy, but sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages, dairy-based desserts, and ultra-processed breakfast foods (including cereals and pastries) also shortened lifespans.

Here's our proposal: For the next two months, swear off processed meats, poultry, and seafood. Stick with skinless, broiled chicken and fresh steamed or broiled seafood, and reduce your red meat intake (to zero is best).

You'll be surprised how much more energy you have, with fewer aches and pains (especially in the morning) and better digestion.

Then let that provide you with the incentive to give up sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages for a couple of months. (But stick with your diet free of processed meat too.)

We know you can do it. Just remember to read all ingredient labels. Stay away from ingredients never used in kitchens.