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processed foods ? what is/isnt?
JenBrown0210
Posts: 985 Member
First off, if you cannot say anything nice don't say anything at all! Constructive critism is great but please do not be mean.
Yes I can google it, but you cannot believe everything on the internet and I would much rather get the views of MFP!
So what do you consider processed food? I am working hard to eat a cleaner diet and I say " I am going to cut out processed foods" but what does that mean? Does that mean prepackaged things like my cheese strings? Or is that things like froozen dinners (which I do not eat anyways) my diary is open. Feel free to look at it!
I am doing Insanity and following the meal plan for lunch and my dinner and a few snacks.
Thank you in advanced!
Jen
Edit: here are some of my daily things
Sargentino light cheese strings
Chobani yogurts
Crunch master multigrain crackers
Fiber one bar
Carnation breakfast drink or some form of cereal.
Dole canned peaches
Yes I can google it, but you cannot believe everything on the internet and I would much rather get the views of MFP!
So what do you consider processed food? I am working hard to eat a cleaner diet and I say " I am going to cut out processed foods" but what does that mean? Does that mean prepackaged things like my cheese strings? Or is that things like froozen dinners (which I do not eat anyways) my diary is open. Feel free to look at it!
I am doing Insanity and following the meal plan for lunch and my dinner and a few snacks.
Thank you in advanced!
Jen
Edit: here are some of my daily things
Sargentino light cheese strings
Chobani yogurts
Crunch master multigrain crackers
Fiber one bar
Carnation breakfast drink or some form of cereal.
Dole canned peaches
0
Replies
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Yes, anything pre-packed. Like your cheese string. :-/0
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Yes, anything pre-packed. Like your cheese string. :-/
Aaahhh no I am sad
so then would a slice of deli cheese not be considered processed? 0 -
I guess not. I had this discussion today with my personal trainer. She said if I got deli meat (low sodium) it is much better than the prepacked stuff. I'm actually doing Tosca Reno's eat clean diet. I learned a lot from her book!0
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I would think any cheese at all would be processed. Milk would be too, unless you got it right from a farm.0
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I would think any cheese at all would be processed. Milk would be too, unless you got it right from a farm.
Not if its fresh cheese!0 -
I think cheese and yogurt is a tricky subject. Of course it's all "processed" to some degree, but some are fresh and all-natural while some have a ton of additives and really shouldn't be called cheese or yogurt. I, myself, go for the more natural, Greek yogurts, with only honey as a sweetener. I've cut out most cheese, but when I do have some, I buy the good, fresh, all-natural stuff. It's more expensive and probably more fattening, but that's what motivates me to buy and eat less of it.
As a general rule, in stuff that comes pre-packaged, if you can't read/understand some of the ingredients or the natural ingredients are altered in some way (high-fructose, hydrogenated, etc.), put it back on the shelf. Avoid frozen dinners, too, because they have a lot of sodium, even the ones that are "healthy".0 -
Yes, anything pre-packed. Like your cheese string. :-/
Aaahhh no I am sad so then would a slice of deli cheese not be considered processed?
I would consider deli cheese processed. It contains a lot of unnecessary ingredients (like preservatives and often food coloring). I buy my cheese from a farm. It contains milk, enzymes and salt. Though it is processed to create it I don't consider it "processed."
I consider foods that have unnecessary ingredients or enriched ingredients processed. Homemade, whole-grain pasta and sauce = not processed, Hamburger Helper = processed.
Some people are more strict in about what is processed and what is not. If you don't have a deciding factor you'd pretty much be eating raw to avoid processed. Raw works for some people but not me.
Good luck!0 -
I think it depends on what you consider clean... I eat string cheese, I also eat canned tuna, oh no! watch out for my frozen peas!! lmao. To me processed food is fast food, nurtient empty food, donuts, cakes. My motto is this: 70% clean 30% dirty. If i want cheesecake i'm not going to buy a low fat version of it. I'm going to a restaurant and getting a slice of the real thing or making it from scratch. Foods should be minimally impacted from farm to table, store to home etc. The more processes it goes through the more it is strpped of nutrients and chances are they added some stuff your body won't recognize. I aim for the most nutrient dense foods i can get. These are just my opinions though
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My not totally educated understanding is if it comes in a box/prepackaged its processed (cereal, crackers...)
If you can't look at it and name what's in just from looking at it, it its processed.
I also do this because I hate reading labels to make sure that I'm not allergic to the ingredients.
I make my own crackers, granola, I'm hoping to make my own yogurt soon. Sure the ingredients are processed but they're less processed and I know what everything going into my end product is.
Living totally clean is really hard, shoot for a percentage of "clean" eating.0 -
I am interested in everyone's replies also. I'm also trying to eat less processed foods.0
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Its SO expensive, but totally worth it.
I have so much energy when I wake up its unbelievable.
Edit:
....I sound a little dramatic...0 -
I think it depends on what you consider clean... I eat string cheese, I also eat canned tuna, oh no! watch out for my frozen peas!! lmao. To me processed food is fast food, nurtient empty food, donuts, cakes. My motto is this: 70% clean 30% dirty. If i want cheesecake i'm not going to buy a low fat version of it. I'm going to a restaurant and getting a slice of the real thing or making it from scratch. Foods should be minimally impacted from farm to table, store to home etc. The more processes it goes through the more it is strpped of nutrients and chances are they added some stuff your body won't recognize. I aim for the most nutrient dense foods i can get. These are just my opinions though
This is my opinion of "processed foods" too. If it is empty calories without a whole lot of nutrients in it, I consider it a processed food. Definitely fast food. I do consider tv dinners "processed" because I feel like they take what COULD be healthier foods and process it to the point of a bit of unhealthiness. Do I eat them? Occasionally when I am just too dang tired to make anything else (like after working a 9 hour day). But, as a rule, I try and avoid them most of the time.0 -
For most things if it's in a box, bag or bottle it processed to some degree. Definitely start reading labels. Stay away from high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils. Most packaged things are loaded in sugar and/or salt.
The closer a food is to it natural form the better it's going to be for you. A fresh peach is way better than canned peaches.
There are some processed things that are almost impossible to avoid like salad dressings and your products. Again, read labels.0 -
Its SO expensive, but totally worth it.
I actually spend less on clean foods than I ever did on processed foods. I mean, $4 for a one-serving, frozen dinner vs. $4 for about two pounds of rice that is going to last a month or so? I have to shop more often for the fresh stuff, but I spend less per trip than I ever did before, and I can go for several days without actually having to go to the store.0 -
Well... your crackers, Fiber 1 and Instant Breakfast would definitely be considered processed. I think of it this way - eat like a caveman. That means fresh meats, fish, chicken, eggs, fresh fruits and veggies. A caveman would not have found canned peaches hanging from the trees 0
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The fruits and veggies is what gets expensive for me. But, you are right about rice and stuff. If you are feeding a family, the fresh stuff is what adds up. Flax, almonds, pb, veggies, are my staples. It just adds up for me.0
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If you want to avoid processed foods altogether you are likely going to have to give up some time for it. There are always checks and balances in these things. Anything that is not in it's raw form is technically processed--it's been through some type of process. This would even include yogurt and cheese, anything boxed, bottled or preserved in any way. In all honesty, to truly avoid processed foods altogether would be incredibly difficult unless you lived on a farm and kept your own animals and garden. However, eating less nutrient deficient junk food would probably be more manageable and seems to be what others people are suggesting. 0
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If you want to avoid processed foods altogether you are likely going to have to give up some time for it.
So true0 -
As far as cheese goes:
Hard cheeses, cheddar, swiss, provolone, mozzerella, etc are not overly processed, aside from the process of making cheese from dairy, which essentially is a pretty "natural" process.
Velveeta and American Cheese, Cheese Whiz, cheese in a jar, nacho cheese etc... These are what you are avoiding. They are sodium laden and arent real cheese. They are chemicals and food stabilizers that are designed to merely TASTE like cheese.
This should give you an idea about anything else.
Does it come from nature to some degree or did some Willy Wonka/Playdough machine squirt it out into that lil celyphane package?0 -
The fruits and veggies is what gets expensive for me. But, you are right about rice and stuff. If you are feeding a family, the fresh stuff is what adds up. Flax, almonds, pb, veggies, are my staples. It just adds up for me.
If you're feeding a family, definitely. I forget, sometimes, how much easier it is for me to feed only myself vs. someone feeding a whole family. If you have the option of buying from a bulk food section, though, I definitely suggest that for nuts and seeds and the like. It's WAY cheaper than buy that stuff pre-packaged. That was a life-saver for me when I was unemployed for a bit after college.0 -
I consider processed foods to be anything prepared with preservatives, nitrates, added sugar or salt, sugar/fat substitutes, white flour, white rice, and additives like flavorings, colorings, and a whole laundry list of chemicals like maltodextrin, etc.
I try to avoid these things whenever possible, but have not cut them out completely because I do enjoy wine (which contains sulfites) and beer (which has additives of some sort I'm sure) as well as restaurant food a couple of times a week which contains all of the above in great quantities. It takes extra time and effort to cut them out at home, but I believe it is well worth it not only for health reasons, but because it tastes better, too.0 -
If you want to avoid processed foods altogether you are likely going to have to give up some time for it. There are always checks and balances in these things. Anything that is not in it's raw form is technically processed--it's been through some type of process. This would even include yogurt and cheese, anything boxed, bottled or preserved in any way. In all honesty, to truly avoid processed foods altogether would be incredibly difficult unless you lived on a farm and kept your own animals and garden. However, eating less nutrient deficient junk food would probably be more manageable and seems to be what others people are suggesting.
I think that's actually the basis of the raw-food diet. Coming from someone who grew up on a farm, such a diet is difficult even then.0 -
I am trying to eat as cleanly as possible, too. (I apologize if I am repeating any replies, I didn't read any and am just replying) My criteria is that if it is a "processed" food, it has to have no more than 5 ingredients, so your string cheese would be okay by my standards. I have one every morning. Good source of calcium.
Good luck with eating clean. You might also want to check out the book The Complete Idiot's Guide to Eating Clean by Diane Welland, M.S., R.D.0 -
First off, if you cannot say anything nice don't say anything at all! Constructive critism is great but please do not be mean.
Yes I can google it, but you cannot believe everything on the internet and I would much rather get the views of MFP!
So what do you consider processed food? I am working hard to eat a cleaner diet and I say " I am going to cut out processed foods" but what does that mean? Does that mean prepackaged things like my cheese strings? Or is that things like froozen dinners (which I do not eat anyways) my diary is open. Feel free to look at it!
I am doing Insanity and following the meal plan for lunch and my dinner and a few snacks.
Thank you in advanced!
Jen
Edit: here are some of my daily things
Sargentino light cheese strings
Chobani yogurts
Crunch master multigrain crackers
Fiber one bar
Carnation breakfast drink or some form of cereal.
Dole canned peaches
Im not going to debate this, just give you my opinion.
Your Sargento light string cheese and chobani yogurts are truly only "processed" by culturing them from milk to their current form, and packaging them. if thats processing then Im sorry even your local farm does it! They sell it to you IN a package of some sort dont they? They dont just place it in your hand!
Crunchmaster crackers I would consider "mildly processed" since they have to press and bake all the ingredients together and package it but I eat them as well and those are actually in the eating clean books ive read. Honestly they arent any worse then making them yourself (which is time consuming, my sister tried)
Fiber one bar, carnation instant breakfast, most cereals, and dole canned peaches would all be considered processed. They have added flavoring and preservatives. (even RAW protein powder is processed though and its a Vegan option). Peaches are in season, you can easily buy a few lbs, cut them up yourself and freeze them for the future.0 -
I think folks can get a little crazy with the processed label when we are suggesting hard cheese or yogurt should be considered processed. I agree yes, in general, raw fruits, vegetables and nuts are as unprocessed you can eat next to eating it off the vine. Beyond that anything else you can cook, as long as you cook it from scratch, should not be considered processed. Cooked or prepared food with the basic ingredients are fine.
Beyond that when it comes to grains and rice, as close as you can get it to the natural state, sprouted whole wheat and brown rice, etc.
But I think if we get to the point that we are counting peanut butter made with just peanuts and salt, processed or pasteurized milk processed, we are getting a little carried away. Everyone has to find what level of raw or unprocessed works for them. I am sure there are users on this form that swear by raw milk.
Clearly though any prepared foods ingredients that are not necessary for recipe are processed. Bread is supposed to have about six ingredients. 90% of what comes in a box, plastic wrap etc. is going to fit into this processed category.0 -
The closer to the natural state that something is, the less processed it is. So if you want to be completely natural - raw would be the least processed. You probably don't want to go that far. Fresh is going to be best, frozen, next best, canned/boxed - most processed. Certain things like yogurt and cheese require certain processes to become what they are. Some are done more naturally than others.0
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Great topic - It's interesting to hear everyone's responses.0
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I say I stay away from "processed" foods but I eat cheese and yogurt, which are technically processed but in a natural form. I make my own yogurt, which is "processed"! I stay away from long ingredient lists, chemical additives/preservatives, artificial sweeteners, etc. I eat fairly clean, as most foods I eat are made by me and cooked from whole ingredients. I also eat Kashi cereal, again processed, but the ingredient list looks OK to me.
In my opinion, your cheese (as long as Sargento cheese ingredient list is pretty basic with no fake stuff) and yogurt are fine. Crackers and Carnation Instant are definitely processed, as are canned peaches. The Fiber One bar is very processed and they usually contain either 5 different kinds of sugars or artificial sweetener. It is up to you if that is acceptable or not.
I applaud those who eat clean and I try to eat items where I recognize the ingredients but I am fully aware that my way isn't the only way. If someone is fine with chugging Crystal Light all day and eating Fiber One bars, it is none of my business. I think we all have to decide what we each deem acceptable to ingest on a daily basis and not judge others for doing things differently!0 -
The drink mix and canned peaches are processed. Eat a real peach.......I have one every day! I read a book recently, The Low Glycemic Index diet and it explained the concept of trying to eat as much non processed foods as you can. That when you eat a processed food, such as a cracker, the grains and flours have been beaten to a pulp and that once your body has eaten that overly processed already processed food, it gets hungry soon after you eat it. Alternatively, If you have a piece of whole grain bread with oats, grains, seeds, etc. then it takes longer for your body to feel hungry because once you eat that bread, your body is processing the food so you feel fuller longer. Makes sense but there is tons of info to muddle through. I try to each non processed, a potato vs. boxed mashed potato, an apple instead of apple sauce, quinoa instead of any rice or couscous with a spice pack, no drink mixes, etc. My downfall is cheese but I try to limit it and keep it to lo fat.
A funny quote (not exact) from a book by Michael Pollan, "Never get your food from the same place you get your gas".0 -
I think it depends on what you consider clean... I eat string cheese, I also eat canned tuna, oh no! watch out for my frozen peas!! lmao. To me processed food is fast food, nurtient empty food, donuts, cakes. My motto is this: 70% clean 30% dirty. If i want cheesecake i'm not going to buy a low fat version of it. I'm going to a restaurant and getting a slice of the real thing or making it from scratch. Foods should be minimally impacted from farm to table, store to home etc. The more processes it goes through the more it is strpped of nutrients and chances are they added some stuff your body won't recognize. I aim for the most nutrient dense foods i can get. These are just my opinions though
I am going to go with your motto. For my life style eating completely "clean" is not an option. I am going to stick with the healthier options for my lunch and dinner of making my own meals. Breakfast will probably continue to just be cereal. even though it is the most important meal it is the hardest one for me!
So here is to a clean"er" food dairy!0
This discussion has been closed.
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