8-Week Challenge: Allowed Whole Foods

There has been a lot of confusion on what is considered “processed” foods. In the comments of the 8-Week Health and Weight Loss Challenge comments, I posted a list of “processed foods” not allowed. This caused an uproar and I received comments like “what is left to eat besides lettuce and water” or “this leaves me nothing to eat and I already eat whole foods”.

It is scary that in this society of convenience foods, we have forgotten what whole and natural foods are. Many of our health and weight issues are created from the fact that we consume many packaged, processed, and convenience/fast foods in our diet. By decreasing or completely eliminating these food from our diets, our bodies are better able to use the foods we consume for energy and other biological processes.

Below I have listed a list of whole foods that are acceptable for the 8-Week Challenge or for anyone trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is by no means a complete list of whole foods available today, but it is a start.

Grains

Whole grain brown rice
Wild rice
Whole wheat, rye, or Ezekiel bread
Whole wheat or vegetable pasta

Convenience Foods

Raw nuts
Seeds

Fruit and vegetables

Raw fruit
Raw vegetables
Frozen, unsweetened fruit
Frozen, no salt added vegetables
Beans (not canned)
Legumes (not canned)

Meats and Eggs

No additive Fresh or frozen meat, fish, poultry (grilled, baked, broiled)
Fresh sliced meats (deli counter-no additives)
Uncurred bacon
Whole eggs
Egg whites

Dairy

Natural cheese, full fat
Almond, soy, coconut milk
Unflavored Greek yogurt

Fats/oils

Cold pressed extra virgin olive oil or spray
Coconut oil (butter, spray, oil)
Raw butter
Natural, no sugar added nut butters (ie. natural peanut butter, raw almond butter, etc)

Condiments

Apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper
Fresh herbs and spices
Lemon or lime juice

Drinks

Water
Tea and coffee
Juiced fruit/vegetables

For more info: http://www.getting-started-with-healthy-eating.com/whole-foods.html