As people continue to pay closer attention to what’s on their plates, the term “whole foods” has become one of the biggest topics in nutrition today. Shoppers are increasingly on the lookout for simple, recognizable ingredients and avoiding foods that are processed, whether on a micro or macro scale. Whole foods are foods kept as close to their natural state as possible, with minimal processing and no artificial additives, like fresh produce, whole grains, and unprocessed meats.

At Atkins Ranch, our 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised lamb is a perfect example of a whole food done right. Here’s a closer look at what sets whole foods apart, and why they deserve a bigger place on your plate.

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Some processing is a normal part of preparing food and plays a significant role in keeping food safe and accessible. Ultra-processed foods go much further. According to the Non-UPF Verified program, these products rely on industrial techniques that fundamentally alter a food’s structure or composition. This means they often use ingredients designed to imitate, intensify, or replace the qualities of whole foods. While some ultra-processed foods might look healthy on the outside, their ingredients tell another story. Emulsifiers, preservatives, flavor enhancers, thickeners, and artificial sweeteners are often used to increase shelf life and improve flavor or texture, often sacrificing nutritional value as a result.

A new analysis involving nearly 9 million people found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with greater risks of several chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular events, cancer, diabetes, depression, and digestive diseases. The study found a strong link between ultra-processed foods and these health risks, though other lifestyle factors may also play a role. Still, the sheer size of the analysis adds to a growing body of research worth paying attention to.

The Benefits of Whole Foods

Whole and minimally processed foods are exactly what they sound like: foods that are eaten in their natural state or as close to it as possible. Great examples of “whole foods” include fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, and quality cuts of meat. These foods are made from simple and recognizable ingredients which means you know exactly what you’re putting inside your body when you eat them. They deliver nutrients in their natural form and leave out the artificial additives that so many packaged products rely on. Building your meals around whole foods is one of the simplest ways to eat well. You’ll have fewer nutrition labels to read, too.

Atkins Ranch Lamb: A Whole Food, Naturally

Atkins Ranch lamb is a great example of what whole food looks like. It’s a single ingredient: 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised lamb. Our lambs spend their lives grazing on open New Zealand pastures and are raised with no antibiotics and no added hormones. There’s nothing extra and nothing to decode on the label. Just real meat raised with care. That simplicity is the exact ethos behind whole foods.

Choosing Simple, Choosing Better

While not every processed food needs to be avoided, filling your diet with whole, minimally processed foods makes eating well a whole lot easier. Look for short ingredient lists, recognizable ingredients, and brands that are transparent about how their food is made. At Atkins Ranch, we believe the best food is the kind that’s raised simply and with nature in mind. You can taste it in every bite of our lamb.