A "no processed food" diet?

rml_16

So I have been toying with the idea of a generally no processed food diet for a while. But after having basically a yucky food hangover this morning I'm even more keen on the idea.

Has anyone else ever done this? I'm not going to commit to something long term because I don't want to quite half way through or something but just commit to about a weeks time minus thanksgiving.

Fruits, veggies, and meats but like no canned or processed anything.. no cheese even. Butter might happen.. but nothing too severe.

Anyway... I'm wondering what kind of outcome I can expect? If anyone would like to try this with me? What the worst and best parts might be?

Not even sure if this is a good idea or not lol

I try to avoid *most* processed foods. But my definition of processed means it has weird ingredients. Cheese is basically just milk and salt, so while it's technically "processed" (anything that combines ingredients to make something else is "processed"), it's still directly from its original source.

I rarely eat things like protein bars or snack cakes, etc. I feel pretty good eating that way, but I do have treats every once in a while. I go for close to perfect, but not perfectly perfect.

stylistchik

It's the best "diet" change you can make. SO many more nutrients, nothing blocking your body from absorbing them. There are some theories that suggest that fillers, additives, preservatives, artificial coloring, are all viewed by your body as pathogens so your body spends an incredible amount of effort trying to rid them from your system. This leaves less opportunity for the nutrients to be absorbed, converted and used, and it weakens your immune system.

I tried everything to lose a stubborn 10 lbs and when I finally decided to eat "clean" the weight literally fell off and I haven't struggled with it since. I have more energy and just a more positive outlook on life.

Honestly the hardest thing for me to give up was lunch meat - go figure. But when you get used to making sandwiches with leftover "real" meat or other things like hummus and veggies, it didn't seem bad at all. The benefits totally outweigh (no pun intended) the extra time/effort involved.

Namaste1983

I AVOID PROCESSED FOODS BUT SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO JUST EAT WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO YOU. I HAVE HAD A MAJOR INCREASE IN MY OVERALL HEALTH (CAN'T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I WAS SICK) BLOOD WORK CAN BACK IN OPTIMAL HEALTH. IT WAS THE BEST CHOICE I HAVE EVER MADE AND I HAVE LOST 178 POUNDS SINCE SWITCHING TO WHOLE GRAIN IN THE LAST 2 1/2 YEARS. MY APPROACH TO EATING HAS BECOME 70%CLEAN 30% DIRTY. EASE INTO IT. FIND WAYS TO ADD WHOLE GRAIN PASTA, BROWN RICE ETC. SOON YOUR TASTEBUDS WILL CHANGE AND YOU WILL LOVE IT. I CAN'T EVEN FATHOM EATING THE WAY I USED TO. I USED THE ABS DIET AS MY FIRST "DIET" FOOD PLAN. THEN I SWITCHED TO GLUTEN FREE ONCE I FOUND OUT I HAD THYROID ISSUES AND NOW I AM MOSTLY VEGETARIAN. I EAT MEAT WHEN I CRAVE IT BUT I LOVE HOW MY BODY FEELS WHEN I EAT VEGGIES AND FRUIT. I SUGGEST CHECKOUT OUT SOME INFO ON HOW TO TRANSITION SMOOTHLY INTO IT SO YOU AREN'T OVERWHELMED AT ONCE. NUTRITION ACTION IS AN EXCELLENT NEWSLETTER (NO ADS, SCIENCE BASED, NO BIASED VIEWS) WHOLE LIVING HAS LOTS OF IDEAS AS WELL AS FOOD DOCUMENTARIES (SOME HAS A MOTIVE SO JUST GO WITH WHAT FEELS RIGHT FOR YOU) FOOD MATTERS WAS WONDERFUL. THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE MORE INFORMED YOUR CHOICES ARE AND YOU CAN MAKE THE BEST DECISION FOR YOUR BODY.

stylistchik

I'd be interested in trying this, but some times it can be so easy to just grab a can of soup or something. i know, i know, no excuse, right? i'm gonna do some reading on this and see if i can find some decent meal plans.

When my hubby was deployed I would make at least 1 batch of soup or chili or something in the crock pot (just throw in some broth, beans, veggies, whatever) and then freeze it so I had a quick meal whenever I needed it. If you don't have a crock pot a large pot on the stove works just as well.

Health_Gal

I am gradually (some days more than others) trying to move away from processed foods. I think it's a great idea -- it's just that I still crave some things that are processed foods, and they are everywhere -- especially this time of year when everyone is so busy and don't have as much time to cook from scratch.

I try to cook my own food as much as possible, and I do use real organic cheese and butter, as after getting away from the processed version of those foods, they no longer taste good to me.

Sidesteal

Before commenting on whether or not it's a good idea, I think the important question is.... what is your goal with this new eating habit?


What are you trying to get out of this decision to avoid processed foods?

drunknpoetry

I have been doing it for the last couple of months. I found that there are so many amazing recipes out there that use fruits and vegetables only, it is amazing. Also see if there is something in your area like bountifulbaskets.org or any other local market. I live in a rural area, so I have to buy 99% of my groceries at a grocery store, but I try to focus on as little processed food as possible.

I think the closest I get is my veggie burgers and other soy products. But that is a personal choice to cut back on meat.

breakingthecycle

I am seriously considering a low processed foods diet. Like someone said its hard to do.

Good luck with your goals. :-)

millionsofpeaches

I believe this would not be a diet... Rather, you are eliminating the unnatural stuff that our bodies don't need.

diaryoffatdad

this is probably the single best thing you could do for yourself. if you are taking whole foods and making your own meals then you are doing great. there are so many health benefits. It is hard though, there is a lot of processed foods in our diet. I am working towards this as a long term forever type of lifestyle. what I have been doing is taking meals we usually have that include processed stuff and boxes, and have been researching how to make something similar with my own whole food ingredients. for example we love tacos, have them almost every week. so last week i made my own seasoning rather than the packet and saved myself a ton of sodium, and we had taco salad, rather than tacos, so no shells. it was great. I'm going to make my own salsa and pasta sauce, i make my own pancakes, i even want to make my own bread. but its a slow process. I am starting by removing one boxed meal at a time, soon we wont have chicken fingers and fries in the freezer, and no fish sticks, my goal is that in a year or two my freezer is stocked with foods made by me and we have eliminated processed foods from our house.

it is a great way to raise your children, make sure you include them and teach them.

ilookthetype

"Clean" is the term often used. I eat pretty "clean" the only heads up I'd give is that sodium gets pretty low, I had to alter my diet a little to make sure I was getting enough, however, eating deli meat should manage that for you.

dsrszs

Food manufacturers now hide M.S.G. (monosodium glutamate) under about 200 or more different names in foods.

Since I have a very severe reaction to this chemical, I gave up processed foods gradually as manufacturers starting putting more and more in their foods and hiding it better. They now pump it in some solutions added to raw meat also.

I finally gave up the struggle of trying to identify it on food labels.

If it comes straight off the farm I can eat it. If it comes out of a manufacturing plant, I pretty much pass.

I have been doing this for 30 plus years now. It isn't that hard when you know you feel good if you eat "real" food and you feel bad if you eat "manufactured" food.

The secret is always having good food prepared and available and not bringing home "junk" food.

I wash fruits and vegetables as I unpack them from the grocery store. That way they are always ready to grab and use.

I always have roasted vegetables in the fridge. I can make a roasted vegetable salad in seconds when I am really hungry.

I keep roasted pistachios around when I need instant protein. (Any nut will do.)

Good luck.

aekaya

It's a great idea! Believe me, you have nothing to lose. If you want to save time and don't mind spending a little extra, then just buy all your veggies and salads pre-chopped and pre-washed. You'll be getting a lot more nutrition for a lot less calories. Good luck!

vernessie

Thank you for posting the link to website 100 Days to Real Food! Awesome information and I know this will be the key to help me loss weight and most important to get healthy for life.

ToughTulip

If you can commit then sure!

I would fail, binge, and be sad that I cut out foods that I love for no huge benefit

blonde71

Why not? I eat about 80% "no processed" food. My diet's fairly clean and I feel great, lots of energy. Plus, I feel good about what I'm nourishing my body with which is not junk food. I made small changes at first as going full-throttle seemed overwhelming. Hope that helps. Good luck.