From The Heart #18: Rethinking Processed Food

What if “processed” isn’t the enemy, and the biggest health gains come from something far simpler, eating more real plants most of the time? We take a clear-eyed look at the processing spectrum, from chopping and freezing to fortification and engineered ultra-processed products, and map out where processing genuinely helps and where it quietly pushes us toward overeating.We start by grounding the conversation in evidence: Canadians pull 60% of calories from ultra-processed foods while only 5 to 10% come from whole or minimally processed plants. We unpack the NOVA categories and explain how physical processing like cooking and freezing can preserve or even improve nutrient accessibility, why fortified foods such as iodized salt and calcium- plus vitamin D–enriched milks fill real nutritional gaps, and how pasteurization and shelf-stability reduce waste and improve safety. Then we draw the line between helpful processing and the formulations that add sugar, sodium, and refined fats while stripping fiber, exactly the combo that fuels cravings and calorie overload.From there, we get practical. You’ll hear how frozen berries and canned beans can be everyday allies, why protein powders, plant or whey, can legitimately boost satiety and lean mass when your base diet falls short, and how legume and whole wheat pasta elevate fiber and protein without sacrificing convenience. We tackle context too: white pasta has a smart place before endurance efforts, while higher-fiber options serve best for weight management and metabolic health. We also touch on meat alternatives and why swapping red meat for plant-based burgers can lower TMAO and nudge cardiometabolic markers in the right direction.The takeaway is simple and doable: push more of your plate toward whole plants, use minimally processed shortcuts that protect nutrients and budget, and reserve ultra-processed options for targeted needs, not default meals. If this reframed the way you see your pantry, tap follow, share it with a friend who loves nutrition debates, and leave a review to tell us your biggest “aha.”Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle.You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting  the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shopDon't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQCheck out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accountshttps://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjuleshttps://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify!Thanks so much!Peace, love, plants!Dr. Jules