What are WHOLE FOODS?

Whole foods are unprocessed, unrefined, and most often eaten in their natural state.

• They do not contain any additives, like, preservatives, chemicals, salt, sugar or fat. 
• They are not chemically processed or have their nutrients removed or altered in any way. 
• They are not boxed or bagged.
• They are one, single ingredient.

Whole foods grow on trees and plants, and are harvested, hunted or gathered.

What is chemical processing?

Chemical processing means that food has been altered from its original state and so becomes refined with additives, preservatives and other ingredients that make it “highly processed” and turn a one ingredient food item into a 3, 4 or more ingredient item.

Why is this bad?

Processing almost always reduces the nutritional benefits of food.  And, our bodies must work harder to digest and extract nutrients from processed food products.  In many cases the only benefits provided by processed foods are temporary pleasure and satisfaction of hunger.  However, hidden sugars, carbs and other substances in processed foods can also trigger cravings that are often mistaken for hunger.

What our BODIES NEED?

The human body requires food for fuel and water for hydration. 

Whole Foods Should Provide All Essential Nutrients…

Ideally the whole foods we eat will provide all the nutrients our bodies need. 

Including:

• Antioxidants To Prevent Disease
• Vitamins And Minerals
• Healthy Fats
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Fiber

However, in today’s world of high-yield, corporate farming, it’s believed that the nutritional value of our food is decreasing with each generation.

…fruits and vegetables grown decades ago were much richer in vitamins and minerals than the varieties most of us get today.  ~ Scientific American, Dirt Poor: Have Fruits and Vegetables Become Less Nutritious?

Buy Local, Buy Organic

Beside supporting your local economy, buying from smaller, locally-owned and run farms, may result in more nutritious whole foods.  Look for organic farms and ranches that avoid environmental toxins, pesticides, antibiotics and hormones in the production of their food and meat.