Consumption of minimally processed foods is a tall order in this day and age. We exist in a land of processed convenience foods. It only takes one look at a brand-name cracker or cereal box to get the full picture of what we are putting into our bodies. The Mediterranean lifestyle stresses minimally processed foods. The less processed the food, the more healthful the food is for you. For example, an orange is a healthier choice than a glass of orange juice; an apple is a healthier choice than applesauce; and regular, unsweetened oatmeal is healthier than a bowl of ready-to-eat cereal. Typically when foods are processed, salt, fat, and preservatives are added to the plate.