Natural foods are minimally processed and remain as close as possible to their original state, according to KidsHealth.org. While there is no formal definition by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for natural foods, according to EatRight.org, food products may be labeled natural if they are free from artificial colors, preservatives, flavors or synthetic additives. Reading package labels is important to determine whether foods contain additives.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables offered in an unprocessed form are considered natural foods. Canned or frozen fruits or vegetables may contain additives or preservatives for freshness. Choose whole, fresh fruits that are unpackaged for a better choice. You may find produce listed as organic, which means it was grown on a farm that follows organic farming practices. Kidshealth.org states; however, that organic produce does not always mean the produce is natural if any additives have been added to the foods. Alternately, natural produce may not be organic if not produced on an organic farm.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are those that have not been processed to remove the bran and germ and retain more nutrients and fiber than refined grains. Refined grains have been processed to remove the bran and germ or have been ground into flours. You may find whole grains in many varieties, including wild rice, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, buckwheat and millet. Whole grains may be purchased in whole form or in whole grain blends, such as brown and wild rice together, for variety.
Meats
Fresh meats that have been minimally processed may be considered a natural food. Freshly butchered cuts of beef, pork or poultry that have not been processed with fillers are a good choice. Processed meats such as lunch meats and hot dogs may be made with natural meats; however, additives, colors and flavorings added during processing remove the meat farther away from its natural state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture states that meats and poultry that have been basted, are self-basting or contain injected flavorings must be labeled as such.
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