Whole vs Processed
There are many theories and ideas about food. Food is how we fuel our bodies, so we want to make sure we are giving our bodies the best! A general rule is to always pick the whole food over a processed option. Below, we make it simple!
A whole food would be considered, ideally, as a food with
only one ingredient. Whole foods look most like their natural composition i.e. corn on the cob, apple, chicken or a cucumber.
A processed food is typically food with more than one ingredient. Food companies typically add additional sugars, preservatives, dyes, saturated and trans fats.
A processed food is typically food with more than one ingredient. Food companies typically add additional sugars, preservatives, dyes, saturated and trans fats.
WHOLE FOODS:
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Frozen fruits and vegetables
Unsalted nuts
Fresh meat, fish, eggs
Low far milk (skim or 1%)
Plain yogurt
Low fat cottage cheese
Low fat cheese
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PROCESSED FOODS:
Fruit/vegetable juices
Fruits canned in heavy syrup
Fruit snacks/gummies
Veggie or potato chips
Processed meat (bacon, sausage, fish sticks, deli meats, etc)
Icecream bars
Processed cheese (such as Velveeta)
Sweetened yogurt/parfaits
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Shopping at local farmer's markets or through a CSA can help you steer in the direction of whole foods. If you are shopping at a grocery store, try to stay on the perimeter of the store. The middle isles typically contain the processed food.
Why are low-fat or non-fat foods typically promoted instead of full-fat or whole? To me, low-fat or non-fat foods are "processed" to remove nutrients.
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