Greek Yogurt Is a Healthy Processed Product

If you are trying to lose weight, you’ve probably heard that you should limit your intake of highly processed foods to ensure a healthy lifestyle. In order to live a healthy life, you don’t have to shy away from every food that has been processed. Minimal processing like cleaning, chopping, peeling, or packaging provides for conveniently pre-packaged food items. Processing can be as minimal as chopping nuts or prepping vegetables to be bagged.

Complex and highly processed foods that most often contain excessive amounts of sodium, sugars, and unhealthy fats. It is always a good idea to limit your intake of overly processed food products, but you do not have to shy away from many canned, boxed, and bagged foods that help save you time and offer healthy options for your table. According to the American Heart Association, there are plenty of processed food options that deserve a spot on your menu plan.

Not all processed food products are unhealthy. After all, some processing makes food more available, affordable, and convenient, such as:

• Greek Yogurt – Although all yogurts can be an excellent source of calcium, potassium, protein, zinc, and B vitamins, Greek yogurt contains healthy probiotic cultures and is lower in lactose with nearly twice the protein content of regular yogurts. But, read the ingredients label and pick products that are low in added sugar.
• Canned Beans – Canned beans and chickpeas are a great source of ready to eat protein that is packed full of soluble fiber, iron, and resistant starch to keep it a low-fat, plant-based alternative. Read the labels and select a low-sodium option.
• Tofu and Tempeh – This plant-based protein is the preferred protein substitute for vegetarians. Both tofu and tempeh are processed foods made by fermenting, cooking, and molding the finish the product. The popular products can be used as a substitute in numerous dishes.
• Granola Bars – Some granola bars, sports bars, and healthy looking grain bars are loaded with calories, sugars, and excessive amounts of sodium. Be sure to read the food label and select the healthiest options as these quick snacks can be a great source of fiber and protein.
• Frozen Fruits and Vegetables – Similar to frozen fruits, dried fruits can still offer the same vitamins, minerals, and fiber of their fresh counterparts. But, read the label and select processed products with less added sugars. These are great for snacks or toppings on yogurt or cereal.
• Olive Oil – Olive oil is a healthy fat. Due to the fact that extra virgin olive oil is the least processed, it retains more of its natural antioxidants and vitamins than regular olive oil. Not only is extra virgin olive oil considered to be healthier, but it is also less expensive.
• Fermented Vegetables – Sauerkraut is a traditional fermented food made from shredded cabbage and salt. It is a potent sour side dish with a long shelf life that is rich in beneficial bacteria for maintain a healthy gut balance. However, compare the salt and sugar content on the product labels.

Food manufacturers often make it more difficult for health-conscious consumers by placing tantalizing marketing claims that are often exaggerated or intentionally misleading, and in some cases, downright false in implying their product is healthy. Food labels give consumers information about calories, number of servings, and nutrient content of packaged foods. This is information can be invaluable when you are trying to make healthy choices when you shop.

Although food labels are legally required, they provide important information for making good food decisions, especially when selecting processed foods. Information is provided for safe consumption and to reduce food waste. Any time a food product sounds too good to be true, it may be. That said, some of the healthiest processed foods available use food terms like organic or grass fed, but a little due diligence will go a long way.