Nutrient
richness is the total amount of nutrition including vitamins, minerals,
antioxidants and other health giving properties of a food per calorie eaten.
The more nutrient rich a food is the more of these health giving properties
will be contained with each calorie eaten. On the other hand, a nutrient poor
food will require consumption of many calories to obtain the same nutrition as
a nutrient rich food.
The
best way to get nutrient rich food is to eat food in it’s whole, unprocessed
form. This is food the way nature made it or typically with little preparation
in the kitchen. A whole food contains all the nutrients that existed when it
was harvested, be it a plant or animal product.
A
refined food may have one or more of it’s nutrient properties removed. This may
be done for flavor, texture, or better digestive properties. A good example of this would be white versus
brown rice where the outer bran and hull are removed to make white rice and
makes for easier digestion in some individuals as well as a lighter flavor. A refined food is one that can typically be
produced in the average person’s kitchen.
A
processed food is one that cannot be made in the average person’s kitchen.
Processed foods are typically derivatives, extracts or foods that are made in a
laboratory or under high-temperature conditions. A good example of a processed
food would be breakfast cereal flakes. These are typically high-heat extruded
in a factory and cannot be made in the average kitchen oven.
Here is a great free e-book with recipes and information on a nourishing, whole foods diet. Of course, I also do personal coaching to assist you with the transition as well and can often help you and your family transform your overall diet in just a few appointments. Click Here for Free E-Book!
