Packaged Foods You Should Ditch
By Sara Butler
When you’re at the grocery store, where do you spend most of your time? If you’re cruising the perimeter and picking out fresh fruits, lean meats, and vegetables, then you are an expert shopper. But if you spend a lot of time in the middle aisles and find yourself taking home a lot of pre-packaged fare, then it’s time to talk. There are things you buy in a bag, can, or bottle that you should ditch and begin to make yourself. Here are a few pre-packaged foods you should remove from your cart.
Salad Dressing
Salad dressings are often full of additives and high fructose corn syrup, things your body doesn’t need or want. Plus, they’re often full of sugar and calories that add up quickly and can ruin your good intentions of eating healthy.
You can easily make your own, healthier salad dressing at home by mixing one part apple cider vinegar to two parts extra virgin olive oil. Throw in a little salt and pepper and you’ll wonder why you’ve wasted so much time and money on the bottled stuff!
Popcorn
Popcorn makes a great whole grain snack, but the stuff you buy for the microwave isn’t the healthiest of options. Chemicals are added to microwave popcorn that the Environmental Protection Agency has linked to thyroid disease and tumors. And that artificial butter flavoring? It’s not good for you either.
You can save your body and your wallet by just making your own popcorn at home. Buy a bag of popcorn kernels, add some to a pot on the stove with a little olive oil and pop it up. Just don’t forget a lid, or you’ll have popcorn everywhere!
Tomato Sauce
Mass produced tomato sauce is something that seems innocent, but it’s not as good for you as you may think. Often, commercial brands have a ton of added sugar. Why take the chance with unintended sugar consumption when you can easily make your own sauce healthier and cheaper?
All you need to do is puree some sun-dried tomatoes with a couple of fresh tomatoes in a blender. Throw in some garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh basil and voila! Delicious and healthy tomato sauce that will make you wonder why on earth you ever had anything else.
You don't need prepacked foods! The stuff you make at home is easy and will taste better, plus it's better for your health!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Katy, Tex.