Minimally Processed Foods Can Be Healthy Options

When it comes to a healthy formula, making meals from scratch using the freshest and most nutritional ingredients is ideal. However, not all processed foods have high amounts of salt, sugars, and other additives. Most processed food products earn high marks for convenience in the kitchen, but some are unhealthy. However, minimal processing such as washing, peeling, slicing, or dicing can result in healthy pre-prepped dishes.

Minimally processed foods and processed culinary ingredients, such as olive oil, can result in food products that are as healthy or nearly as healthy as their fresh counterparts. Avoid packaged or processed foods that tend to have a long list of ingredients as well as those that are high in added salt, sugar, and fat. Less nutritious foods are less filling and easy to overconsume.

In the real world, you are often do not have the time because of the busy schedule you lead every day. Fortunately, some processed foods offer an excellent alternative, such as:

• Canned Beans – For those times when you need to produce a healthy side without a lot of effort, the right canned beans can be a healthy answer. As long as you shop for canned beans with the lowest amounts of added salts and rinse the product before consumption, this is a good source of fiber and protein.
• Tofu and Tempeh – Vegetarians swear by tofu and tempeh (both processed forms of soy beans) and the fermenting of cooked soybeans do not negatively impact this versatile meat substitute. In fact, the fermentation process creates beneficial probiotics, and you can add it directly to your pot or pan when cooking.
• 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.
• Greek Yogurt – Yogurt is a processed food that it also a healthy source of protein, vitamin B12, calcium, and probiotics. However, it is important to read the nutrition facts label to select products that are limited in added sugars. Plain Greek yogurt often has twice the protein and half of the sugar content.
• Frozen Fruits and Vegetables – Since frozen fruits and vegetables are picked and frozen at their nutrition peak, choosing these processed food products simply adds to the availability and shelf life of foods that most people should be consuming in greater quantities.
• Olive Oil – Even though olive oil is considered to be a processed food, it is literally to juice expressed from an olive and it one the healthiest and most flavorful oils available for a broad range of cooking techniques. Always try to stick to 1 tablespoon.
• 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.

Even though consumers are more health conscious than ever before, reading food labels can be tricky. In fact, some food manufacturers have misleading tricks they use to convince you to buy highly processed products that are unhealthy. Unfortunately, health claims made by the food manufacturer are cleverly designed to catch you attention when you are not paying close enough attention. The goal is to convince you that the product is healthier than it might actually be.

Many consumers are confused by marketing pitches and advertisements while believing the information is a legitimate health claim. Food products can legally use words like low-fat or light, but they don’t tell you the whole story. Generally speaking, the most important and reliable information on the food label can be found on the nutrition facts panel and the product’s ingredients listing. Use this data when making decisions about processed foods as you shop.