Can Convenience Foods Be Nutritious?
- September 29, 2011
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- Nutrition Blog
We like everything in life to be quick and easy--immediate gratification. The same is true of our meals; we need foods/meals that are quick to pack those early morning lunch bags and throw together those busy work-week dinners. So is it possible to have a wallet-friendly, convenient, nutritionally balanced meal for the whole family? Food companies are constantly coming out with quick food options that are registered dietitian approved.
Convenience foods have a track record of being loaded with sodium, fat, sugar and low in fiber and vitamins/minerals. In addition, they are notoriously associated with being overly processed. However, below is a variety of healthful foods that are convenient.
- Low-sodium jarred pasta sauce paired with whole wheat pasta
- Canned beans- black, pinto, navy, red, or garbanzo can be cooked in minutes
- Low sugar instant oatmeal travels well, keeps you full and is especially good in the winter
- Frozen veggie burgers-quickly pan cooked with olive oil on a whole wheat bun
- Individual cups of hummus-High protein and perfect for lunch bags, can dip with veggies
Some foods that are convenient are not always processed and can be good time savers:
- Dried fruit—cranberries, raisins, and mangos can be put in oatmeal, yogurt or eat alone for a great, fibrous snack.
- Pre-made, packaged whole wheat pizza crust—add low fat cheese, tomato sauce and some sliced veggies for a healthful pizza.
- Precooked shrimp
- Bagged Spinach for salads
- Nuts
- Cubed or string cheese
Convenience Tips:
- Do not be afraid of frozen meals. Choose lower sodium meals with large servings of vegetables. Often they can be more healthful than meals you might cook at home.
- Purchase a grill pan—It is a quick way to cook, reduces fat content while cooking and makes for easy clean-up.
- Join an organic food co-op- Members share the cost of weekly organic foods that can be delivered to their house.