Processed Or Unprocessed?

[Barsel]

I would like to try a healthier diet than the one I'm on at the moment, and thought I could try concentrating on unprocessed foods as they say these are better for you than processed. Problem is, I get mixed up as to what is and what isn't. Things like fresh meat, veg, fish,nuts, seeds, eggs etc are unprocessed, but what if the nuts and seeds come in a packet that has Sulphur Dioxide on the label? What if the veg and meat is frozen and the fruit is either frozen or dried? Does this mean it isn't as good for you, would this be classed as Processed? Many thanks in advance.

[Mamyalynne]

It depends on how far you want to push the term , yes freezing,pickling,canning are all 'processes' applied to foods but they don't always change their nutritional content.

http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/nutrition/nutrition-facts-and-food-labels/avoiding-processed-foods

[hc4361]

Frozen food is healthy if it is frozen in its original form - raw meat, vegetables and fruit that have nothing added. Same with tinned food if it is canned in its own juice or water.
Dried fruit is also natural but be aware that the sugars are more concentrated so not as healthy.
I avoid everything with sulphur dioxide as it triggers an asthma attack.

Lots of healthy foods have been processed - yoghurt, milk and cheese, as examples. On the whole, avoid the obviously processed foods such as sausage, bacon, ready meals and puddings, pies, pizza, sauces (such as curry and bolognese in a jar), cake, biscuits, crisps, sweets.
I'm sorry to say the list is long :(

[Old_Geezer]

I think folk can worry too much whether food was modified before it reached them, or only afterwards. We get plenty enough of what we need on a balanced diet, regardless.

[Barsel]

Thanks for your answers. The link is interesting Mamya. I always have granola for breakfast without giving a second thought that it's processed and probably full of sugar.Think what I might do is list the foods I eat and then think of something else that is healthier. I used to have toast but then changed to granola 'cos it's oats and dried fruit so I thought it would be healthier, but it probably isn't.

[Mamyalynne]

If you make your own you'll know what's in it and it can be stored in an airtight container. Same goes for Muesli.

http://www.elizabethrider.com/easy-healthy-homemade-granola-recipe/

[Hopkirk]

Over the past few months I've been having porridge for breakfast, with minimal sweetening, and I have really noticed health benefits.

[Jackdaw33]

I agree about porridge. I have recently taken to eating a bowl a day, no milk or sugar, just water zapped int the microwave then a liberal sprinkling of salt. Very cheap too, you can buy a kilo of oats in supermarkets for £1. Warning: don't buy Quaker Oats Oh So Simple, they are a rip-off and hideously expensive.

[Hopkirk]

Salt Jackdaw? Think of your blood pressure.

[Old_Geezer]

Ah but you pay for convenience, Jack.

[dannyk13]

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pages/what-are-processed-foods.aspx