People talk down about processed food. I think it’s important to clarify what “processed” means. Does peeling a banana qualify as processing it? Does frying something count?

How is a Twinkie different than something you prepare yourself?

For some reason, people like to argue with people about what they eat. I wish I could say I don’t understand why but I used to too.

Anyway, I found a definition that works for me. Or rather I found a division between what I avoid and what I eat that I think captures what people mean when they say they avoid processed foods.

I avoid foods where someone removed the fiber. That knocks out corn syrup, white bread, fruit juice, refined sugar, most junk food, and the like. I already don’t eat a lot of foods with no fiber, like meat and dairy.

I make exceptions for the few alcohols I drink—wine, beer, and scotch—and a few oils like olive oil.

You don’t have to follow my division. I’m not recommending it, not because I don’t like it but because I don’t want people arguing with me. But maybe it will work for you.

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