Healthy Packaged Foods That May Amaze You
By Sara Butler
As a general rule, if you're looking to eat healthy, then you should avoid prepackaged foods. Most of the time, these foods are far less nutritious than the other choices you have at your fingertips such as fresh fruits and vegetables. But rules are made to be broken. If you're a savvy consumer, then there are some packaged foods that can provide you with important nutrients and make your healthy meal planning a whole lot easier. Here are a few healthy packaged food choices you should consider.
Canned Beans
Dried beans are usually cheaper than canned, but they also take a lot more time to soak and cook. If you're looking for a way to make your meal planning easier but still healthy, then canned beans should be a staple in your kitchen. They're full of protein and fiber, but be sure to buy the low sodium version or rinse them before you add them to your meal.
Frozen Berries
A lot of people miss out on their daily fruit requirement but keeping frozen berries on hand can help you achieve your goal. As long as they don't contain added sugars, frozen berries are a quick and easy way to add your favorite fruit to your oatmeal, smoothie, yogurt, or cereal.
Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are just as good for you as their fresh counterparts -- maybe even more so. That's because they're picked and flash frozen at their peak, allowing the vitamins and minerals to be locked in and ready to nourish you.
Soups
Soups are a bit of a nutritional minefield, but if you know what to look for, then they can be a nutritious addition to your meal planning. Avoid any soups that have a lot of added sodium and fat. Choose non-condensed soup that is full of vegetables, too. You may find these types of soups in cartons instead of cans. Just make sure to read the nutrition label to look at calories, sodium, and fat, steering clear of anything with a lot!
Tuna in Water
You can get a lot of bang for your nutrition buck with canned tuna in water. This fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D. Not to mention it packs a punch of filling protein that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Not all packaged foods are bad. In order to make good choices, you simply need to understand which to avoid and which should spark joy!
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