Stupid Question-What are processed foods?

estherlion

I feel really dumb asking this. I'm curious what all the fuss is about "eating clean" and avoiding processed foods. Are convenient foods on the go like yogurt, protein bars, protein shakes, frozen low cal dinners, granola bars, etc. considered processed foods? Are they bad for you? I really need quick go to items (not alot of time to cook due to traveling) but am unsure if they are unhealthly. Please help!

thisismeraw

Almost anything in a package or with a label is processed. Most things that will last more than a few days are processed.

Processed is really anything removed from it's natural state. All the items you mentioned are processed and normally loaded with added sugars and sodium. For the most part, anything you can't find in the outside ring of your supermarket are heavily processed.

Things like fresh fruits, veggies, meats are unprocessed for the most part.

If you are short on time most days, why not take a day a week to prep foods and snacks? Cook up a bunch of meals, portion and freeze for quick grab and go meals on the run. Cut up fruits and veggies for snacks. When you cook dinner, make a bunch more than you need than portion and freeze.

tonyrocks922

"Eating clean" is a garbage phrase that means nothing. Processed means it's not in its natural state. Unless you only eat raw fruit and vegetables, or kill and eat raw animals you can't eat no processed foods.

When a lot of people say they eat "no processed foods" they generally mean mean they don't eat ready-to-eat food that comes in wrappers.

If protein bars and frozen meals fit into your calorie and macro goals then eat it. If you think any particular foods are hindering your goals, try dropping them and seeing if it helps.