Have you ever wondered how your food is made? Think of the contents of a continental breakfast, for example. Typically, there’s bread, rolls, muffins, pastries, and other baked goods as well as margarine, jam, and various spreads that go on them. Of course, there’s coffee or tea along with sugar, whitener, and artificial sweeteners. Before you put these so-called foods in your body, you should really know how they’re made.

Do yourself a favor by watching an episode of Food Factory on the Food Network. It doesn’t matter which episode, any one will do. You’ll get a quick lesson on how many of the processed foods in your pantry and fridge are manufactured and exactly what you’re putting in your body when you consume them.

For instance, do you know how vegetable oil is made?

Most of the vegetable oils you find in your supermarket have been refined, bleached, and deodorized before they’re placed in a plastic container. You can get an idea of the process by viewing this video.

Even many of the natural foods that we think are healthy are not so healthy. Food, Inc. was an eye-opener. If you haven’t seen that documentary yet, make sure to watch it.

Take-Home Message: The less processing involved, the healthier your food will be. Favor produce that’s grown in your backyard or purchased at a local farmers’ market, naturally raised meat like that found at Brooker’s, raw, organic seeds, nuts and oils like those at Real Raw Food, and other natural foods from your local health food store.