PT Processed Food Guide

By: Dr. Sean Wells, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC/L, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, CNPT, Cert-DN

Physiotherapists take the lead in helping clients improve their rehabilitation and health issues. Many of these chronic health problems stem from poor lifestyle choices, such as poor sleep patterns, excessive stress and poor nutrition. A key element of nutrition where a physical therapist can make a big difference is education about cutting back on processed foods.

In the past, my team and I have recommended Dr. Greg’s traffic light approach to limiting processed foods. The system is easy to understand and communicate during patient education; plus, Dr. Greg loves spreading his message to improve health. Now, there’s a new way to classify processed foods: Nova.

NOVA is a food classification system that groups foods according to how processed they are. The system was developed by researchers in Brazil and is widely used in nutrition research.

The NOVA system divides foods into four categories:

Group 1: Unprocessed or minimally processed foods – These foods are minimally processed and include fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lean meats.

Group 2: Processed culinary ingredients – These foods are usually from Group 1 foods and include oils, fats, sugar, salt, and vinegar.

Group 3: Processed foods – These foods are made by adding salt, sugar or other cooking ingredients to Group 1 foods. Examples include canned fruits and vegetables, bread, cheese and cured meats.

Group 4: Ultra-processed foods – These foods are the most heavily processed and often contain additives such as colourings, flavors and preservatives. Examples include packaged snacks, soft drinks and fast food.

The NOVA system is designed to help people make healthier food choices by encouraging them to choose more foods from groups 1 and 2 and limiting their intake of foods from groups 3 and 4. Therefore, DPTs can help their clients by focusing their clients on Group 1 and 2 foods, providing them with food lists, pictures of foods, and/or providing meals that contain both Group 1 and Group 2 foods Sample menu.

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