> it much different than them processing it in a factory or bakery for you.
The difference is that bakeries etc. tend to add a lot of sugars and preservatives.
> Per that definition, items like white vinegar and corn syrup are not processed foods?
Yeah, so not a perfect definition, but a good rule of thumb.
The general idea is that you don't want some big corporate to prepare the food for you, it is better to prepare it yourself. If you prepare the food yourself, you have more control over how healthy it is. This approach serves my friend quite well, he reports that he feels more energetic when he avoids "processed" foods as per his definition.
> The general idea is that you don't want some big corporate to prepare the food for you, it is better to prepare it yourself
I understand that. But my body doesn’t care who prepared the food. If a big corp prepares the food the same way I prepare it at home (or vice versa), then this advice is useless.
I am sure that he placebo could improve his energy. Also, I’m sure there are ingredients that “big corp” uses that we wouldn’t normally use in the kitchen that could hurt our health. So then instead of saying avoid “processed foods” (which means nothing and everything), name the ingredients and the processes that are bad.
> So then instead of saying avoid “processed foods” (which means nothing and everything), name the ingredients and the processes that are bad.
Yeah sure, but that is quite a lot of effort. And you are going to end up avoiding most processed foods anyway. Especially if you are the sort who distrusts artificial sweeteners and preservatives. So then it is just easier to say "avoid processed foods" than to say "avoid foods that contain [...insert a long list of ingredients here]"
The difference is that bakeries etc. tend to add a lot of sugars and preservatives.
> Per that definition, items like white vinegar and corn syrup are not processed foods?
Yeah, so not a perfect definition, but a good rule of thumb.
The general idea is that you don't want some big corporate to prepare the food for you, it is better to prepare it yourself. If you prepare the food yourself, you have more control over how healthy it is. This approach serves my friend quite well, he reports that he feels more energetic when he avoids "processed" foods as per his definition.