{"id":71075,"date":"2025-02-25T16:20:36","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T16:20:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=71075"},"modified":"2025-02-25T16:20:36","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T16:20:36","slug":"real-food-vs-processed-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/","title":{"rendered":"Real Food Vs. Processed Food: How Small Swaps Can Change Your Entire Diet"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#What_Is_The_Difference_Between_Real_Food_Vs_Processed_Food\" >What Is The Difference Between Real Food Vs. Processed Food?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#What_Qualifies_As_%E2%80%9CBad%E2%80%9D_Processed_Food\" >What Qualifies As \u201cBad\u201d Processed Food?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#Is_Real_Food_Better_Than_Processed_Food\" >Is Real Food Better Than Processed Food?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#What_Are_The_Most_Unhealthy_Processed_Foods\" >What Are The Most Unhealthy Processed Foods?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#Frozen_Meals_Or_Desserts\" >Frozen Meals Or Desserts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#Packaged_Chips\" >Packaged Chips<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#Candy_Bars\" >Candy Bars<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#Energy_Drinks\" >Energy Drinks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#Pastries\" >Pastries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#Processed_Meats\" >Processed Meats<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#Refined_Grains\" >Refined Grains<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#What_Are_Some_Real_Food_Alternatives_To_Processed_Foods\" >What Are Some Real Food Alternatives To Processed Foods?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#Here_are_some_minimally_processed_foods_examples_to_prioritize\" >Here are some minimally processed foods examples to prioritize:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#Breakfast_Alternatives\" >Breakfast Alternatives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#Lunch_or_Dinner_Alternatives\" >Lunch or Dinner Alternatives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#Snack_Alternatives\" >Snack Alternatives<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#How_To_Start_Eating_Real_Food_Instead_Of_Processed_Food\" >How To Start Eating Real Food Instead Of Processed Food?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#What_is_the_1_unhealthiest_food\" >What is the #1 unhealthiest food?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#Is_milk_a_processed_food\" >Is milk a processed food?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#Is_yogurt_a_processed_food\" >Is yogurt a processed food?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#Plain_yogurt_is_minimally_processed_Any_yogurt_with_dried_fruits_sweeteners_or_other_ingredients_is_ultra-processed_If_you_want_to_add_flavor_without_artificial_ingredients_you_can_serve_yogurt_with_fresh_fruit_nuts_and_seeds\" >Plain yogurt is minimally processed. Any yogurt with dried fruits, sweeteners, or other ingredients is ultra-processed. If you want to add flavor without artificial ingredients, you can serve yogurt with fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds.\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#Are_eggs_processed_food\" >Are eggs processed food?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cProcessed\u201d is a tricky word. Unless you are eating whole, raw foods, everything is processed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Real_Food_Vs_Processed_Food\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, bread, cereal, cheese, tofu, and yogurt undergo some sort of processing, whether to increase shelf life or eliminate spoilage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The problem with processed foods is the unhealthy additives, like:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preservatives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Added sugars<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saturated fats\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These ingredients can make the food taste great while being somewhat addictive and easy to overeat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding the key differences between real food vs. processed food can help you make healthier choices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, we will:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discuss the intricacies of transitioning from processed to real foods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examine the various categories of food processing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Show you how to innovate your meal plans.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s jump right in.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_The_Difference_Between_Real_Food_Vs_Processed_Food\"><\/span><strong>What Is The Difference Between Real Food Vs. Processed Food?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When wondering what is a difference between real food vs. processed food, your answer lies in these factors of the food you\u2019re consuming:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutritional value<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Health benefits<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Real foods<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are whole, edible parts of animals, plants, and fungi that promote overall health. They retain their natural state and contain higher-quality nutrients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Processed foods <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are preserved foods altered from their original form.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These foods undergo different processing methods, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pasteurization<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fermentation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dehydration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smoking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Freezing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pickling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some processed foods are less nutritious, provide empty calories, and frequently contain additives and chemical stabilizers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive consumption of processed foods could lead to inflammation, weight gain, heart disease, or diabetes (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10058108\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is a table with real food vs. processed food examples.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wpsm_comptable_shortcode_echo\">\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpsm-comptable-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<table id=\"wpsm-table-493\" class=\"wpsm-comptable \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<thead class=\"wpsm-thead wpsm-thead-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th>Category<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th>Real Food<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th>Processed Food<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/thead>\n\t\t\t\t\t<tbody class=\"wpsm-tbody\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFruits\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tApples, bananas, berries\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJam, fruit juice, pur\u00e9e \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVegetables\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSpinach, broccoli, carrots\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVegetable chips, frozen veggie patties, canned vegetables\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGrains\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSteel-cut oats, brown rice, quinoa\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRolled oats, bread, cereal\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tProteins\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEggs, milk, lentils, salmon\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSausages, hot dogs, bacon\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSnacks\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNuts, seeds\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tChips, cookies, candy\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tbody>\n\t\t\t\t<\/table>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Qualifies_As_%E2%80%9CBad%E2%80%9D_Processed_Food\"><\/span><strong>What Qualifies As \u201cBad\u201d Processed Food?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why are processed foods bad?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The truth is not all processed foods are \u201cbad.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, rolled oats, tofu, and tempeh are processed foods with a high nutrient content. Fast food, baked goods, and hard candies are energy-dense and often low in nutrients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to NOVA classifications, there are varying degrees of processing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These include (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/openknowledge.fao.org\/server\/api\/core\/bitstreams\/5277b379-0acb-4d97-a6a3-602774104629\/content\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Group #1: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minimally processed or unprocessed (such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, etc).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Group #2:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Processed culinary ingredients (such as olive oil, coconut oil, butter, ghee, agave syrup, soy sauce, etc).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Group #3: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Processed foods (such as canned beans, pickled tomatoes, cream cheese, sardines, etc).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Group #4: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultra-processed (such as pre-made frozen meals, flavored dairy alternatives, packaged snacks, reconstituted meat products, etc).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main category to avoid is ultra-processed foods, which are Group #4 on the NOVA scale.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>BetterMe: Health Coaching app helps you achieve your body goals with ease and efficiency by helping to choose proper meal plans and effective workouts. Start using our app and you will <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Real_Food_Vs_Processed_Food\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">see good results in a short time.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These unhealthy processed foods contain over 80% processed ingredients, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Copious additives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flavor enhancers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stabilizers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dyes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to their extensive chemical modification, we don\u2019t consider highly processed products \u201creal food.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are formulations of food substances assembled into hyper-palatable food, which can trigger cravings and overeating (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/337039170_Hyper-Palatable_Foods_Development_of_a_Quantitative_Definition_and_Application_to_the_US_Food_System_Database\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Group #4 foods, there is usually nothing left from its source (Group #1).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, you can replace potatoes as a base ingredient with dough suitable for packaged chips.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The dough creates a consistent texture and a longer shelf life but contains far fewer nutrients than you would get from eating the potato.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies show that overconsumption of ultra-processed products can negatively affect the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digestion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body weight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insulin resistance (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10831891\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><b>Read more:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/no-processed-food-diet-menu\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No Processed Food Diet Menu, Tips, and Everything Else You Need to Know<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Real_Food_Better_Than_Processed_Food\"><\/span><strong>Is Real Food Better Than Processed Food?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many companies fortify highly processed foods with calcium, vitamin D, protein, and fiber. The deliberate addition of one or more micronutrients makes these foods more accessible to consumers vulnerable to deficiencies. However, these products also contain added sugar, fat, and salt.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whole foods and minimally processed products retain most of their natural nutritional content, <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/protein-and-fiber-foods\/\">fiber<\/a>, and other beneficial compounds. They provide healthier fats, phytochemicals, enzymes, and antioxidants than processed alternatives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When considering real food vs. processed food, looking at your overall health is essential.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Here are the main reasons to incorporate more real, whole foods into your diet:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Lower Risk of Chronic Diseases:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Real food can:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balance gut bacteria<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regulate metabolic markers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offer sustainable dietary practices.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This balancing effect can manage or prevent chronic illnesses, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obesity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alzheimer\u2019s disease (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S2214799322001102\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9189580\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Real_Food_Vs_Processed_Food\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-71011\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/532-macros-for-weight-loss-and-muscle-gain-1024x640.png\" alt=\"Real Food Vs Processed Food\" width=\"770\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/532-macros-for-weight-loss-and-muscle-gain.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/532-macros-for-weight-loss-and-muscle-gain-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/532-macros-for-weight-loss-and-muscle-gain.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/532-macros-for-weight-loss-and-muscle-gain-1472x920.png 1472w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/532-macros-for-weight-loss-and-muscle-gain.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Fiber Content:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whole foods are a great source of dietary fiber.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compared to artificial additives, they are less likely to cause digestive problems such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach discomfort<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bloating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gas (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7589116\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Improve Hydration:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many whole foods have high water content, like:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cucumber<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cantaloupe<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honeydew melon<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They can help you stay hydrated longer and restore optimal fluid balance after physical activity (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10710856\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Maintain Healthy Weight:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complex carbs can keep you full while consuming fewer calories. They have a higher nutritional value than simple carbs from ultra-processed meals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Such unhealthy processed food examples may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Premade pancakes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sugary cereals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">White bread<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Waffles (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK459280\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Heart Health:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foods like these can contribute to a heart-healthy diet:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leafy greens<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whole grains<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whole fruits<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These foods contain heart-protective compounds, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Folate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nitrates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnesium<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Polyphenols<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They contain significantly fewer trans and saturated fats than highly processed alternatives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consuming foods with less trans and saturated fats can:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stabilize your cholesterol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promote healthy blood vessels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support optimal heart muscle function (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10128075\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Athletic Performance:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whole foods can curb inflammation and muscle soreness because most contain:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthy fats<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antioxidants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean proteins<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They can also boost the natural rejuvenation process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultra-processed products often lack:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fiber<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minerals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamins<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They also offer no substantial benefit to training other than the calories needed to function and unhealthy amounts of sugar, salt, additives, and other chemicals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking for a simple app to track your desired health outcomes?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The BetterMe app is the ultimate health coach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You get personalized nutrition and exercise plans that perfectly fit your schedule. It does the math for you, so you don\u2019t have to bother counting the calories.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_The_Most_Unhealthy_Processed_Foods\"><\/span><strong>What Are The Most Unhealthy Processed Foods?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultra processed foods (UPFs) can lead to more health concerns than other types of food. These industrial formulations contain countless ingredients you don\u2019t use in your kitchen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additives and chemicals enhance the flavor and texture of the food. But the products have few quality nutrients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many studies indicated that UPF-predominant diets can cause a greater risk for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental health disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metabolic disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypertension<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight gain<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They taste delicious despite staying in your pantry for months or years (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38418082\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11174918\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some UPFs have addictive properties.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily bingeing on sugar produces a regular surge of dopamine levels in the brain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These levels of dopamine make it difficult to control cravings and overeating behaviors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may also experience poor mental health outcomes, like depression, stress, or anxiety, from consuming UPFs as a regular part of your diet (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11150183\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Real_Food_Vs_Processed_Food\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-71009\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/432-7-day-alkaline-diet-plan-1024x640.png\" alt=\"Real Food Vs Processed Food\" width=\"770\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/432-7-day-alkaline-diet-plan.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/432-7-day-alkaline-diet-plan-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/432-7-day-alkaline-diet-plan.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/432-7-day-alkaline-diet-plan-1472x920.png 1472w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/432-7-day-alkaline-diet-plan.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>Here is a list of the top 7 foods to avoid.<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frozen_Meals_Or_Desserts\"><\/span><strong>Frozen Meals Or Desserts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When compared to their whole, natural alternatives, pre-made frozen meals tend to have:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tons of chemical preservatives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher calories<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trans fats<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sodium<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sugars<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are often derived from genetically modified, poor-quality crops.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Premade frozen meals may not provide the same quantity, quality, and variety of nutrients as whole foods.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Desserts like ice cream contain saturated fat and <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-sugar-do-to-your-body\/\">added sugar<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can negatively affect your cholesterol and glucose levels. Consuming these foods in moderation and choosing meals with the fewest ingredients is best.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Packaged_Chips\"><\/span><strong>Packaged Chips<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A family-sized bag of chips has about 1,200 calories. They have properties associated with food addiction and a very low satiety factor. You can feel hungry again right after eating them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These deep-fried snacks contain harmful quantities of chemicals and preservatives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The products lack sufficient quality in:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minerals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamins<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protein<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fiber<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overindulgence may pose a significant health risk for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypertension<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coronary heart disease (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11507050\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Candy_Bars\"><\/span><strong>Candy Bars<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Candy has empty calories. It provides little nutritional value, while its calories come primarily from added sugars.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excess sugar can lead to dental cavities, weight gain, and obesity. You are more likely to experience cravings and poor satiety (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9856888\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you fill up on candy every day, there is rarely any room for complex carbs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may feel stuffed for a while but are more likely to develop nutrient deficiencies in:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Iron<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calcium<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin B\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These products stick to your teeth, erode tooth enamel, and often cause pain and discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can still enjoy them in moderation if you balance this ultra-processed food with nutrient-dense meals.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Energy_Drinks\"><\/span><strong>Energy Drinks<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Energy drinks often contain 74-86 mg of caffeine in 1 serving.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It increases adrenaline, which can cause:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypertension<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arterial spasms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart palpitations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep problems hours after consumption<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These drinks provide brain stimulation without providing quality nutrition for your body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These products usually come in larger cans with plenty of sugar and additives. Even sugar-free drinks are highly acidic and can cause tooth erosion (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8601704\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Occasional energy drinks shouldn\u2019t cause serious problems with cardiac health, but excess consumption can lead to caffeine intoxication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When consuming energy drinks too often you may experience:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gut pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restlessness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle twitching\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Reasons why BetterMe is a safe bet: a wide range of calorie-blasting workouts, finger-licking recipes, 24\/7 support, challenges that\u2019ll keep you on your best game, and that just scratches the surface! <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Real_Food_Vs_Processed_Food\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Start using our app <\/a>and watch the magic happen.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pastries\"><\/span><strong>Pastries<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready-made pastries often contain ultra-processed ingredients. They can disrupt the different types of beneficial bacteria in your gut.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Packaged cakes, donuts, or croissants typically have:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hydrogenated oils<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Added sugars<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refined flours<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emulsifiers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Large quantities of pastries can cause:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood sugar spikes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood swings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor satiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bloating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gas<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have diabetes or are trying to lose weight, pastries can sabotage your efforts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoiding them or enjoying these foods as an occasional delicacy is best.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Processed_Meats\"><\/span><strong>Processed Meats<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many companies load their overly processed meats with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salt<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nitrate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cholesterol<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These can all lead to heart problems and fluid build-up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sodium nitrite may increase the risk of colon cancer (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6893523\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The flavor of these foods is often more concentrated and satisfying than their natural alternatives, making it difficult to adjust the portion size.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold cuts are versatile and require less prep than raw poultry or beef.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can make sandwiches and add them to salads, omelets, wraps, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Refined_Grains\"><\/span><strong>Refined Grains<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refined grain products can lead to metabolic problems, chronic illness, and inflammation. They have fewer nutrients than whole grains and do not offer lasting energy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These foods are often more fattening and pack more calories per serving.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some refined grains are high-GI foods without enough vitamins, minerals, or nutrients to provide a substantial dietary benefit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies showed refined grains are a primary contributor to the current diabetes and obesity epidemic. They are more likely to cause weight gain in the midsection than whole and natural grain foods (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8280517\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/clean-eating-challenge\/\">Clean Eating Challenge: A Simple Guide To Kickstart Your Journey<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Some_Real_Food_Alternatives_To_Processed_Foods\"><\/span><strong>What Are Some Real Food Alternatives To Processed Foods?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slowly change your diet to prioritize low-processed foods. When you cook your meals at home, you can control the ingredients and easily create nutrient-dense meals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose a base full of protein and complex carbs, then mix and match the ingredients you have on hand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Here_are_some_minimally_processed_foods_examples_to_prioritize\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some minimally processed foods examples to prioritize:<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Breakfast_Alternatives\"><\/span><b>Breakfast Alternatives<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sugar cereal with milk \u2192 <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/lazy-day-oatmeal-cake\/\">Oatmeal<\/a> with milk, honey, fruits, and nuts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flavored yogurt \u2192 Plain Greek yogurt breakfast bowl with seeds, fruits, and granola made with oats.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refined grain pasta with canned tomato paste \u2192 Whole grain pasta with fresh tomato sauce.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lunch_or_Dinner_Alternatives\"><\/span><b>Lunch or Dinner Alternatives<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frozen pizza \u2192 Roasted veggies with lean meat or brown rice.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canned soup with additives \u2192 Homemade vegetable soup with beans or lentils.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">White bread sandwich with processed meats \u2192 Whole-grain bread with rotisserie chicken, tuna, or avocado.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frozen chicken nuggets \u2192 Homemade baked chicken tenders.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Snack_Alternatives\"><\/span><b>Snack Alternatives<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chips \u2192 Air-popped popcorn with light seasoning.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Candy \u2192 Dates, nuts, seeds, apples, <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/grapes-calories\/\">grapes<\/a>, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Packaged cookies \u2192 Homemade oatmeal cookies with applesauce and raisins.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n    <section class=\"ad-select-gender\">\n        <div class=\"ad-select-gender-wrapper\">\n            <img class=\"ad-select-gender-image\" alt=\"MaleImage\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"297\" src=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/themes\/gridlove-child\/assets\/img\/ad\/MaleImage.webp\">\n    \n            <div class=\"ad-select-gender-text mobile-hide\">\n                <div class=\"ad-select-gender-desc\">Get your <span class=\"green f-600\">personal plan<\/span> according to your age and BMI<\/div>\n                <div class=\"ad-select-gender-title f-600\">\n                    Select your gender\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Shortcod2\" class=\"btn-ad btn-green\" target=\"_blank\">Male<\/a>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Shortcod2\" class=\"btn-ad btn-green\" target=\"_blank\">Female<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n    \n            <img class=\"ad-select-gender-image\" alt=\"FemaleImage\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"297\" src=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/themes\/gridlove-child\/assets\/img\/ad\/FemaleImage.webp\">\n        <\/div>\n    \n        <div class=\"ad-select-gender-text desktop-hide mobile-block\">\n          <div class=\"ad-select-gender-desc\">Get your <span class=\"green f-600\">personal plan<\/span> according to your age and BMI<\/div>\n          <div class=\"ad-select-gender-title f-600\">\n            Select your gender\n          <\/div>\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Shortcod2\" class=\"btn-ad btn-green\" target=\"_blank\">Male<\/a>\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Shortcod2\" class=\"btn-ad btn-green\" target=\"_blank\">Female<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Start_Eating_Real_Food_Instead_Of_Processed_Food\"><\/span><strong>How To Start Eating Real Food Instead Of Processed Food?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Challenging your eating habits can feel overwhelming if you\u2019ve grown accustomed to convenient foods. Your body may crave a particular taste that is difficult to achieve with homemade meals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The tips below can help you effectively transition from processed to real foods:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make slow and steady adjustments to your diet. These gradual changes make it feel more sustainable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take time to cook and prepare food that provides energy, complex carbs, protein, vitamins, and minerals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experiment with different side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, quinoa, brown rice, salad, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose packaged foods with a short ingredient list, preferably without preservatives, added sugar, or artificial flavors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can replace soft drinks with tea, freshly squeezed juice, <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/healthy-coffee\/\">black coffee<\/a>, cucumber, lemon, or mint-infused water.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t label all processed foods as \u201coff limits.\u201d This restriction can make you feel stressed and lead to overeating or bingeing. Moderation can help create balanced meals.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Real_Food_Vs_Processed_Food\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-70757\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/534-how-to-lose-70-pounds-in-4-months-1024x640.png\" alt=\"Real Food Vs Processed Food\" width=\"770\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/534-how-to-lose-70-pounds-in-4-months.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/534-how-to-lose-70-pounds-in-4-months-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/534-how-to-lose-70-pounds-in-4-months.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/534-how-to-lose-70-pounds-in-4-months-1472x920.png 1472w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/534-how-to-lose-70-pounds-in-4-months.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_1_unhealthiest_food\"><\/span><strong>What is the #1 unhealthiest food?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Processed meats like hot dogs, bacon sausages, and cold cuts are usually the biggest problem for many modern diets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can enjoy them with just about anything \u2014 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are convenient, have an enhanced flavor, and require no cooking experience. However, they may contribute to colorectal cancer, heart problems, and hypertension.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_milk_a_processed_food\"><\/span><strong>Is milk a processed food?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, and that is a good thing. Raw milk from cows could contain a range of pathogens. If one of the animals carries dangerous bacteria, it can spread to the milk and cause disease. Pasteurization destroys harmful bacteria and creates a much safer product.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_yogurt_a_processed_food\"><\/span><strong>Is yogurt a processed food?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Plain_yogurt_is_minimally_processed_Any_yogurt_with_dried_fruits_sweeteners_or_other_ingredients_is_ultra-processed_If_you_want_to_add_flavor_without_artificial_ingredients_you_can_serve_yogurt_with_fresh_fruit_nuts_and_seeds\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plain yogurt is minimally processed. Any yogurt with dried fruits, sweeteners, or other ingredients is ultra-processed. If you want to add flavor without artificial ingredients, you can serve yogurt with fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds.\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_eggs_processed_food\"><\/span><strong>Are eggs processed food?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. Fresh eggs from the shell are a whole, nutrient-dense food. But, different types of eggs and egg products may be processed. For example, fried eggs, baked goods, or instant egg-based meals undergo some form of processing. Their nutritional value depends on the ingredients used in their preparation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated-gender?flow=2196&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Real_Food_Vs_Processed_Food\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-1.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><strong>The Bottom Line<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key to nutrition is to eat a balanced diet, stick to whole foods as much as possible, limit processed products, and listen to your body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use ingredients that promote the health of your digestive tract and intestinal flora.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enjoying processed varieties shouldn\u2019t be a problem if you consume them in moderation and combine them with nutrient-dense meals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But, in excess, ultra-processed food can harm your overall health. These processed foods go through several stages of processing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Industrial methods help turn raw materials into highly delicious, shelf-stable food, often providing fewer nutritional benefits than whole and natural foods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cProcessed\u201d is a tricky word. Unless you are eating whole, raw foods, everything is processed.\u00a0 For example, bread, cereal, cheese, tofu, and yogurt undergo some sort of processing, whether to increase shelf life or eliminate spoilage.\u00a0 The problem with processed foods is the unhealthy additives, like: Dyes Preservatives Added sugars Saturated fats\u00a0 These ingredients can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":71076,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[131],"tags":[],"coauthors":[45],"class_list":["post-71075","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthy-eating"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Real Food Vs. Processed Food: How Small Swaps Can Change Your Entire Diet - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This guide will help you discover the truth about \u2605 REAL FOOD VS PROCESSED FOOD \u27a4 It will also help you find delicious alternatives to processed meals, allowing you to redefine your eating choices quickly and efficiently.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Real Food Vs. Processed Food: How Small Swaps Can Change Your Entire Diet\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This guide will help you discover the truth about \u2605 REAL FOOD VS PROCESSED FOOD \u27a4 It will also help you find delicious alternatives to processed meals, allowing you to redefine your eating choices quickly and efficiently.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"#\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4868-real-food-vs-processed-food-1024x640.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"640\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"BetterMe\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"BetterMe\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"BetterMe\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/304f67ff245e9df71e0c97b98796925d\"},\"headline\":\"Real Food Vs. Processed Food: How Small Swaps Can Change Your Entire Diet\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/\"},\"wordCount\":2298,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4868-real-food-vs-processed-food.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Healthy Eating\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">\u201cProcessed\u201d is a tricky word. Unless you are eating whole, raw foods, everything is processed.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span data-sheets-root=\\\"1\\\"><\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">For example, bread, cereal, cheese, tofu, and yogurt undergo some sort of processing, whether to increase shelf life or eliminate spoilage.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">The problem with processed foods is the unhealthy additives, like:<\/span>\\r\\n<ul>\\r\\n \\t<li style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\" aria-level=\\\"1\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Dyes<\/span><\/li>\\r\\n \\t<li style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\" aria-level=\\\"1\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Preservatives<\/span><\/li>\\r\\n \\t<li style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\" aria-level=\\\"1\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Added sugars<\/span><\/li>\\r\\n \\t<li style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\" aria-level=\\\"1\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Saturated fats\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\\r\\n<\/ul>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">These ingredients can make the food taste great while being somewhat addictive and easy to overeat.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Understanding the key differences between real food vs. processed food can help you make healthier choices.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">In this guide, we will:<\/span>\\r\\n<ul>\\r\\n \\t<li style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\" aria-level=\\\"1\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Discuss the intricacies of transitioning from processed to real foods<\/span><\/li>\\r\\n \\t<li style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\" aria-level=\\\"1\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Examine the various categories of food processing<\/span><\/li>\\r\\n \\t<li style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\" aria-level=\\\"1\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Show you how to innovate your meal plans.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\\r\\n<\/ul>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Let\u2019s jump right in.<\/span>\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><strong>What Is The Difference Between Real Food Vs. Processed Food?<\/strong><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">When wondering what is a difference between real food vs. processed food, yo ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/\",\"name\":\"Real Food Vs. Processed Food: How Small Swaps Can Change Your Entire Diet - BetterMe\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4868-real-food-vs-processed-food.png\",\"description\":\"This guide will help you discover the truth about \u2605 REAL FOOD VS PROCESSED FOOD \u27a4 It will also help you find delicious alternatives to processed meals, allowing you to redefine your eating choices quickly and efficiently.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4868-real-food-vs-processed-food.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4868-real-food-vs-processed-food.png\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":1200},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Blog\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Nutrition\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/nutrition\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Healthy Eating\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/nutrition\/healthy-eating\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Real Food Vs. Processed Food: How Small Swaps Can Change Your Entire Diet\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/\",\"name\":\"BetterMe Blog\",\"description\":\"Health &amp; Fitness\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\",\"name\":\"BetterMe\",\"alternateName\":\"Betterme Limited\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png\",\"width\":512,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"BetterMe\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/betterme\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/betterme\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/betterme-apps\",\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/bettermetips\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC0svgcjc3jSgcryqo83spPQ\",\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@betterme.health.coaching\",\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/betterme-health-coaching\/id1264546236\",\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.gen.workoutme&amp;amp;amp;amp;hl=en_US&amp;amp;amp;amp;gl=US\",\"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q114895798\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/304f67ff245e9df71e0c97b98796925d\",\"name\":\"BetterMe\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/f8c457bbfb019eee5091c2120aabff05\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-6-150x150.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-6-150x150.png\",\"caption\":\"BetterMe\"},\"sameAs\":[\"#\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/author\/bttrm-admin\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Real Food Vs. Processed Food: How Small Swaps Can Change Your Entire Diet - BetterMe","description":"This guide will help you discover the truth about \u2605 REAL FOOD VS PROCESSED FOOD \u27a4 It will also help you find delicious alternatives to processed meals, allowing you to redefine your eating choices quickly and efficiently.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Real Food Vs. Processed Food: How Small Swaps Can Change Your Entire Diet","og_description":"This guide will help you discover the truth about \u2605 REAL FOOD VS PROCESSED FOOD \u27a4 It will also help you find delicious alternatives to processed meals, allowing you to redefine your eating choices quickly and efficiently.","og_url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","article_author":"#","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":640,"url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4868-real-food-vs-processed-food-1024x640.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"BetterMe","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"BetterMe","Est. reading time":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/"},"author":{"name":"BetterMe","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/304f67ff245e9df71e0c97b98796925d"},"headline":"Real Food Vs. Processed Food: How Small Swaps Can Change Your Entire Diet","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/"},"wordCount":2298,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4868-real-food-vs-processed-food.png","articleSection":["Healthy Eating"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cProcessed\u201d is a tricky word. Unless you are eating whole, raw foods, everything is processed.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, bread, cereal, cheese, tofu, and yogurt undergo some sort of processing, whether to increase shelf life or eliminate spoilage.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The problem with processed foods is the unhealthy additives, like:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dyes<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preservatives<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Added sugars<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saturated fats\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These ingredients can make the food taste great while being somewhat addictive and easy to overeat.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding the key differences between real food vs. processed food can help you make healthier choices.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, we will:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discuss the intricacies of transitioning from processed to real foods<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examine the various categories of food processing<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Show you how to innovate your meal plans.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s jump right in.<\/span>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>What Is The Difference Between Real Food Vs. Processed Food?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When wondering what is a difference between real food vs. processed food, yo ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/","name":"Real Food Vs. Processed Food: How Small Swaps Can Change Your Entire Diet - BetterMe","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4868-real-food-vs-processed-food.png","description":"This guide will help you discover the truth about \u2605 REAL FOOD VS PROCESSED FOOD \u27a4 It will also help you find delicious alternatives to processed meals, allowing you to redefine your eating choices quickly and efficiently.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4868-real-food-vs-processed-food.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/4868-real-food-vs-processed-food.png","width":1920,"height":1200},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/real-food-vs-processed-food\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Nutrition","item":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/nutrition\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Healthy Eating","item":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/nutrition\/healthy-eating\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Real Food Vs. Processed Food: How Small Swaps Can Change Your Entire Diet"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/","name":"BetterMe Blog","description":"Health &amp; Fitness","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization","name":"BetterMe","alternateName":"Betterme Limited","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"BetterMe"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","https:\/\/x.com\/betterme","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/betterme\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/betterme-apps","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/bettermetips\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC0svgcjc3jSgcryqo83spPQ","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@betterme.health.coaching","https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/betterme-health-coaching\/id1264546236","https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.gen.workoutme&amp;amp;amp;amp;hl=en_US&amp;amp;amp;amp;gl=US","https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q114895798"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/304f67ff245e9df71e0c97b98796925d","name":"BetterMe","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/f8c457bbfb019eee5091c2120aabff05","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-6-150x150.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Frame-6-150x150.png","caption":"BetterMe"},"sameAs":["#"],"url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/author\/bttrm-admin\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71075","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=71075"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71075\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":71078,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71075\/revisions\/71078"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/71076"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=71075"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=71075"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=71075"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=71075"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}