Food is any material consumed to supply nutrition to an organisms. Generally, food is of animal, plant or bacterial origin, and has necessary nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, or minerals, in adequate quantities. Foods provide energy to an organism, making up for the energy needed by the body to function normally. However, too much food can have the opposite effect, stimulating an appetite that may eventually lead to over eating. Eating too much or taking in an excessive amount of calories through diet or other means can cause a person to become overweight and become a candidate for obesity.

Processed food consists of any food that has been treated in a certain way to preserve it, such as cooking, adding preservatives or additives, treating it with heat or freezing it, or reducing its volume or size. Because it has been treated, these processed foods do not contain the natural nutrients that were present when it was natural, but instead may contain artificial compounds, synthetic products or other substances that may contribute to weight gain. These food items should be consumed in moderation and not as a special treat for an occasion.

Real Foods On The Internet There are many sources available for quality raw foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, organic meats, dairy products, unprocessed grains, whole-grain cereals and pastas, beans, seeds and nuts, organic dairy products, homemade soaps and pure natural olive oil, fresh fish and poultry, exotic fruits, honey, maple syrup, molasses, herbs and spices, fresh seasonal produce, organic wines and juices, non-homogenized milk and yogurt. These sources are naturally preserved, which reduces the potential for disease and contamination, and is a healthier choice for you and your family. They can be purchased at your local health food store, farm market, health food warehouse or online from a reputable supplier. Most offer nutritional and healthful information for a wide variety of health and dietary needs. Learn more about real foods and how they can help you live a healthier life by learning more about the natural sources of the foods that you eat.