Not All Granola Bars Are Created Equal

Adding or not allowing processed foods in the diet is a choice that should be made by each individual. Nonetheless, you cannot ignore the evidence that certain types of processed foods are associated with poor health outcomes. Unfortunately, many processed foods packaged as diet foods are highly processed. The processes used by food manufacturers to get rid of the fat usually leads to a bland tasting product that needs lots of added sugars and salt.

Due to processing, you have to be careful about what you add to pre-package, frozen, or canned foods. Sodium is often used to increase freshness and enhance flavor, so before you salt realize that an abundant amount of sodium has already been added. Artificial ingredients haven’t been around that long, which makes all of us guinea pigs. Some additives come from natural sources while others may require a warning label. Check the ingredients list and always try to consume processed foods in moderation.

Oddly enough, some cereals that contain no added sugar and have undergone minimal processing are not considered to be highly processed. Discussed below are processed foods that can be consumed in the recommended serving size, such as:

• Granola Bars – Not all granola-like bars are created equal, so you have to do your due diligence and always check the Nutrition Facts Label to make the healthiest choice in selecting these snack bars. Certain granola bars provide fiber and protein with little added sugar.
• Greek Yogurt – Plain Creek yogurt is a processed food but that does not mean it is not a healthy food choice. It is packed with protein to help you manage hunger and contains beneficial probiotics for good gut health.
• Plant Based Pastas – Since pasta dishes are typically dressed with a tasty sauce, it is almost impossible to notice a difference when you use a plant-based pasta. Most importantly, it is a simple nutritious upgrade that will support a healthier menu plan.
• Nut Butters, Nuts and Seeds – According to WebMD, it isn’t just the high protein, fiber, and healthy fats that are good for you. Nuts, seeds, and nut butters have plenty of nutrients and minerals. Nonetheless, it is crucial to read the ingredients list and select products with less added sugar, fat, or sodium.
• Packaged Salads or Vegetables – Making a salad from scratch, you will have to clean the produce and chopped or shred the ingredients before you realize you needed two of that and only one of this. Minimally processed foods help to reduce food waste and save you time.
• Tofu and Tempeh – These little blocks of soybean curd and pressed whole soy beans are a great plant-based protein alternative. Moreover, both are versatile enough to be used as healthy protein replacement in a broad variety of popular dishes.
• Frozen or Canned Fish – There are times when you don’t have access to sustainably sourced fresh seafood. That’s when canned tuna, sardines, or canned salmon can help you stay on track with your menu plan with healthy sources of these lean proteins.

Managing your intake of calories and where they are coming from is essential for living a healthier life. Nonetheless, if you don’t take time to read the label, you are just guessing at whether the food you are consuming is right for your needs. If you don’t pay attention to the serving size listed on the food label, you will still be guessing as to the exact amounts that you are consuming. All of the information that you are provided is based on the manufacturer’s suggestion serving size.

Although people look at food labels for a variety of reasons, the Nutrition Facts labels are intended to make it easier to make informed food choices. The ingredients can vary on processed food products, so take a good look at the label. It is easy to find yourself shopping for food when you are in a hurry and need to pick up ready meals. In such cases, look at the labels for your food options and check for the least amounts of fat, sugars, and salt.