One definition of processed would be the amount of "steps" required to take from the base ingredient. So if you make falafel for example, it's only two steps r

One definition of processed would be the amount of "steps" required to take from the base ingredient. So if you make falafel for example, it's only two steps removed from chickpeas, as it's just mildly grinded and fried. That being said it's an exercise to the reader in determining if each "step" is equally bad. In general steps involving the destruction or heating of the food are worse than the "separation" (e.g. peeling or cutting vs frying or blending).