processed food and eating healthier

I've recently become vegetarian and it's been a real challenge for me to find things to eat because I'm sort of a meat and green veggies kind of girl. I like to stick to the rule of If you can't pronounce the ingredients, stay away from it. Eating whole and organic is your best bet to a healthy diet but even organic ready made foods can have a lot of unnecessary ingredients. Stick to simple things like legumes, brown rice, organic fruits and veggies and non factory raised dairy (and meats if you aren't vegetarian).

Homemade lazy hamburger helper:

In a deep frying pan, brown some ground beef. Season it with salt/pepper. Add some onions, cook until softened. Pour in 1 can beef broth (low sodium if you wish), 1 can water and 1 can broccoli and cheese soup (careful if you try to use low fat - it often has the same calories as regular.) Immediately add 1/2 of a package of egg noodles (I use whole wheat!) Cover and simmer until it reduces to a thick consistency. Stir once or twice. Your noodles will be cooked and everything will be ready to dish up. Great with a salad or a pile of steamed veggies, or as a base of adding your favourite customizations to it.

I know, it still uses canned soup. But it doesn't have the preservatives and CRAZY amount of salt and sugar that packaged HH does! You can swap the beef broth for water, but it does add a ton of flavour. Even people that don't like HH like mine.

Well, on a normal work week basis almost everything is as natural, organic, and un-processed as possible... BUT XD I still have to have my mac n cheese. Not healthy, definitely not, but if it helps I LOVE and only eat the veggie mac now XD lol. Also eat tyson chicken strips, not too bad compared to other stuff... and once in a while tai pei potstickers... yummm.. Also on my cheat day I have one meal where I don't care about the processed crap as long as it's yummy and worth it... Oh, and chocolate, cannot give that stuff up.

Hi I am new and I have been trying to keep calories low and by doing that I am trying to keep is simple- for my own sanity. I have been so obssesed that this seems to prevent me from gettingoff track- however- it inlcludes processed nutrition bars...
Any ideas on what to replace them with?
Thanks

I'm trying to find some good organic meat around here...not easy. I hate buying meat from Tyson, Smithfield, etc. (Just watched Food, Inc not too long ago.)

Red meat is good for you! As long as it's not grain-fed.

Trying organic/free range eggs, fresh veggies, etc.

I'm trying out the primal/paleo lifestyle and really liking it so far.

Turkey bacon is more processed.

Nothing wrong with red meat. I eat it frequently

I don't restrict anything.

^ I follow this method as well. I am in the best shape of my life and my health markers have all improved.

I have no idea what really goes into a nutrition bar, but you can combine the following for a seriously delicious snack:

2 cups of dates
1/2 cup cashews or almonds raw
1/2 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup raw oats (optional)
zest of one lemon

Blend the lot in processor. You can roll into balls or roll out between wax paper before cutting into squares or strips.
Absolutely DELICIOUS and perfect for sweet cravings!

I am so going to make these - they sound delicious and perfect for a snack for my little ones. Thank you for posting!

I don't restrict anything.

This.

I gave up a lot of processed food. I still have some, but it is healthier options. I gave up white breads, pastas, rice and potatoes and sugar that doesnt come from fruit. I will occasionally have some whole wheat pasta, or a tortilla or brown rice....... but I shoot for nothing white. I had to though with my insulin resistance. I find it much easier to just make and stick with THAT rule than trying to count carbs and the sort. It is not going to be one set rule for everyone...... it is whatever works best for you.