Processed Convenience Foods- YAY or NAY
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QueenofCaffeine4Life
Posts: 88 Member
I love convenience foods; Quest bars & cookies, Atkins products, RSP Whole Bars, Protein powders. I also like chicken fingers, low carb wraps, and the like.
I have been scolded by the people who seem to know more than I do. I was told that these types of meals/snacks are not good for me. Granted I do realize that natural foods are best. But are processed foods really that bad?
If it is about calories and they fit in my daily allowance, does it matter?
Seriously asking!
I eat a typical day of at least three or more processed items.
What say you?
I have been scolded by the people who seem to know more than I do. I was told that these types of meals/snacks are not good for me. Granted I do realize that natural foods are best. But are processed foods really that bad?
If it is about calories and they fit in my daily allowance, does it matter?
Seriously asking!
I eat a typical day of at least three or more processed items.
What say you?
4
Replies
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I don't put food in the "good" or "bad" category. Food is food. yes, some are more healthy and contain less salt and sugar and more protein and may be more "natural". I stick to what my calories allow and that's what I eat. If my calories allow for two slices of pizza for supper then I eat it, regardless if someone else thinks its "bad".17
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I aim for less of that stuff, but it's as much for frugality as health reasons. I tend to think whatever fits your calories and macros is fine, though.
For me, I love to bake and would likely eat over a dozen cookies/scones every week if I couldn't have Quest bars and Chilly Cow on hand.8 -
I think there are healthy foods and not so healthy foods. I put processed foods in the not so healthy category.
I prefer to cook my own foods. That's the only way I really know what's in it. When I make my meals, they don't include binders or fillers or chemicals I can't pronounce.
That's just my preference. You do you. I'll do me. 😉
20 -
Okay, so...*cue the woos*
I don't buy baked cookies/muffins/protein bars and treats because they contain Palm Oil. That's just for ethical reasons. Same with wraps and flour tortillas, most chocolate, most frozen goods like ice cream or pie or cake and fake milks like almond/coconut/soy milk - so that has eliminated most of those things you list. I do have fried food like fries or chicken or fish a couple times per month, but not daily.
It's up to you what you eat, I just don't discuss it with people if I think it's going to be a "discussion," you know who those people are.13 -
I eat very little of that type of stuff but it has nothing to do with that "I think it is bad". Most of it I don't particularly care for and also that I am home a lot and can cook most things. The other thing...if I have convenience food at home I will tend to eat it until it is all gone! I am not good at moderating "convenience"!5
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I think there are healthy foods and not so healthy foods. I put processed foods in the not so healthy category.
I prefer to cook my own foods. That's the only way I really know what's in it. When I make my meals, they don't include binders or fillers or chemicals I can't pronounce.
That's just my preference. You do you. I'll do me. 😉
*cough* pet peeve *cough*
Not being able to pronounce a word...or ingredient...doesn't make it a bad word...or ingredient.
OP, I mostly live off processed foods during (weight loss and during maintenance) and it hasn't killed me yet.
And I'm old!
But I'm also someone who believe all foods have some sort of nutritional value.20 -
I have no problems with processed foods. Zero.
However, the longer I've been tracking, the more they've disappeared from my diet because they don't help me reach my personal goals.11 -
I feel like *kitten* if I eat highly processed food, fast food , etc...., so I avoid it. Yeah sure, you can eat whatever JUNK you want, but is it worth it in the long run? NOPE, not in my opinion and life!18
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I think there are healthy foods and not so healthy foods. I put processed foods in the not so healthy category.
I prefer to cook my own foods. That's the only way I really know what's in it. When I make my meals, they don't include binders or fillers or chemicals I can't pronounce.
That's just my preference. You do you. I'll do me. 😉
*cough* pet peeve *cough*
Not being able to pronounce a word...or ingredient...doesn't make it a bad word...or ingredient.
OP, I mostly live off processed foods during (weight loss and during maintenance) and it hasn't killed me yet.
And I'm old!
But I'm also someone who believe all foods have some sort of nutritional value.
Can you let me know where I said that unpronounceable ingredients were bad ingredients because I still have time to edit my post.7 -
I don't cook, and eat all kinds of processed convenience foods. So I'm a YAY.3
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I think there are healthy foods and not so healthy foods. I put processed foods in the not so healthy category.
I prefer to cook my own foods. That's the only way I really know what's in it. When I make my meals, they don't include binders or fillers or chemicals I can't pronounce.
That's just my preference. You do you. I'll do me. 😉
*cough* pet peeve *cough*
Not being able to pronounce a word...or ingredient...doesn't make it a bad word...or ingredient.
OP, I mostly live off processed foods during (weight loss and during maintenance) and it hasn't killed me yet.
And I'm old!
But I'm also someone who believe all foods have some sort of nutritional value.
Can you let me know where I said that unpronounceable ingredients were bad ingredients because I still have time to edit my post.
...sometimes a "quote" is just an adding-on to your thoughts. Don't look at it as an attack, but as an agreement.5 -
Sure. I've eaten plenty of processed food as part of my 40 pound weight loss. I love me some hot pockets, and some frozen chicken burger patties that are low fat/high protein have been a staple of my post workout protein.
I also eat whole foods and fruits and vegetables and foods with lots of nutrition. I think good balance is important. You may find that if you are only having processed foods, that your diet is nutritionally lacking in some areas. I know I personally feel a lot better when I am regularly having several servings a day of produce.
In general, many people also find that processed foods fill them up less than non-processed foods, so they have a harder time staying in their goals if they eat too much processed food. But if it doesn't affect you that way, then for weight loss, there is no reason to limit them. I also don't think that they are "bad" nutritionally on their own. The only time they may be an issue is if you crowd out other nutrients from your diet. But if you can eat processed foods, not feel hungry, and also get your nutrition, then there is no reason, for either health or weight loss, to limit them.7 -
I have a few processed foods that are dietary staples (Yves veggie dogs, Gardein). I do a lot of homecooked meals either from scratch or semi-scratch (i.e., using canned crushed tomatoes, prepared mustard, etc). I'd say that I eat fewer processed foods, but I'm with @MikePTY: it's about balance. I'm not pre-diabetic or diabetic. My blood pressure is at the low end of normal, so while I'm aware of added sugar/salt, neither is a concern at the moment. I look at the calories; I look at the protein, iron, and fiber, and if it fits and I like it, s'all good.2
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I focus first on staying in my calories. Then I focus on getting enough protein and fiber next. Then I try to get a certain amount of servings of veggies and fruits. I also avoid trans fat. I manage to do all that while still eating anywhere from probably 25-50% convenience foods, which I think most people would consider "processed".
I have yet to hear a logical, non scare-mongering explanation as to why "processing" a food automatically makes it unhealthy. It seems to me that some are good for my health, some bad for my health, and some neutral. And even if a particular food seems to be problematic, like having an overload of salt and sugar, or a gram or two of trans fat, I don't believe having it once in a while is an issue, it would be eating it regularly.
I eat several frozen meals that have 20+g of protein, several grams of fiber, no trans fat, a reasonable sodium level, and a full serving of vegetables. They are processed, but they fit every other definition of a "healthy" food I can find. I think if you choose items mindfully, you can choose convenience foods that fit quite well into a balanced, healthy diet.
I have far more issue with people who scold others on what they are consuming than I do with convenience foods
I have had people who are heavier than me, who get sick all the time, and who smoke tell me my Coke Zero is going to kill me and my Lean Cuisine's aren't a good choice. I tell them I am constantly educating myself about health and nutrition and I've decided they're fine and thanks though.11 -
I think there are healthy foods and not so healthy foods. I put processed foods in the not so healthy category.
I prefer to cook my own foods. That's the only way I really know what's in it. When I make my meals, they don't include binders or fillers or chemicals I can't pronounce.
That's just my preference. You do you. I'll do me. 😉
Ya, when I make bread there is just a handful of ingredients. Most bread that sits on a shelf has a crazy long list of ingredients.1 -
CON: They are often in a form that tends to be less satiating/more calorie-dense than 'whole foods'. The 'diet' items still tend to be pretty high in (cheap) calorie-dense filler with much of the lower calorie count coming down to smaller portion size... So a lot of these items aren't very filling for the calorie count. (ie you may be wanting more or a snack afterward).
PRO: convenience + non-perishability make these an option where other items aren't... And lower satiety is less of a problem when busy. They could mean fitting a workout in where otherwise unable and not ending up eating extremely-high-calorie-density bar food when ravenous after an activity because you have an option on hand.
So, probably not a great meal replacement if sitting around at home or the office (where you may have the temptation/possibility to snack afterward). But a good meal replacement, say, in the car rushing off to a group ride/run/at a dancing venue/etc. (I'm pretty sure some of the Wegmans clerks think I live off Clif and Balance bars since I buy most of my staple foods from the cheaper Pricerite).3 -
nighthawk584 wrote: »I feel like *kitten* if I eat highly processed food, fast food , etc...., so I avoid it. Yeah sure, you can eat whatever JUNK you want, but is it worth it in the long run? NOPE, not in my opinion and life!
Yes, I don't eat zero ultra processed foods, but when I do eat a lot of it, I don't feel as well as I normally do.2 -
I eat very little of that type of stuff but it has nothing to do with that "I think it is bad". Most of it I don't particularly care for and also that I am home a lot and can cook most things. The other thing...if I have convenience food at home I will tend to eat it until it is all gone! I am not good at moderating "convenience"!
Ditto. I have to keep the entire (giant 90-count) box of fruit snacks in the car. (Running/cycling fuel, so not THAT weird to keep it in the car.. Next to the gym bag, cycling bag,...)(pro tip: Betty Crocker keeps much better in extreme temperatures than Kellogg and they sell "Scooby Snacks" in 90-count boxes).0 -
QueenofCaffeine4Life wrote: »I love convenience foods; Quest bars & cookies, Atkins products, RSP Whole Bars, Protein powders. I also like chicken fingers, low carb wraps, and the like.
I have been scolded by the people who seem to know more than I do. I was told that these types of meals/snacks are not good for me. Granted I do realize that natural foods are best. But are processed foods really that bad?
If it is about calories and they fit in my daily allowance, does it matter?
Seriously asking!
I eat a typical day of at least three or more processed items.
What say you?
The bolded above is the problem here. These people SEEM to know better than you, only because they THINK they know better than everyone. Ignore anyone who feels the need to "scold" a grown woman on what she's eating. It's none of their business, and I would tell them as much.11 -
I eat very little of that type of stuff but it has nothing to do with that "I think it is bad". Most of it I don't particularly care for and also that I am home a lot and can cook most things. The other thing...if I have convenience food at home I will tend to eat it until it is all gone! I am not good at moderating "convenience"!
I too am home and can cook most things. I enjoy cooking and I'm good at it.
I recently had to stop keeping protein bars in the house as I was unable to moderate them.2
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