The whole concept of whole food or real food eating is this...

You want things as close to their natural state as possible.

Why? Because your body knows what to do with foods that are natural. It can easily digest them and use the nutrients for energy.

If the product you are looking at has added more protein - whey protein isolate or other powdered proteins (these are found in a lot of "keto" products); or if the product has had the fat removed (fat-free or low fat items); or if they have removed the salt (low sodium items) this one is tricky because they make you think you are actually getting something that is healthier when it really may not be; or if the product has had the sugar removed or is sweetened with artificial sweeteners (sugar-free items).

All of the above-mentioned items are targeted to those who are trying to lose weight and with what has been done to them to try to make them “healthier” or more desirable to consumers, they have all technically become 'processed foods'. In many of these cases they add unnatural ingredients so that the product still tastes good after it has been altered. (This is especially true for low- sodium or low/fat free dairy products).

When you eat a food that has been altered like this, your body doesn’t recognize it the same way it would a food that is not processed and this can cause problems with digestion etc. which can in turn, cause weight problems or issues losing weight.

So, the next time you are wondering about a food item, remember this tip and try to find items that are as natural as possible.