In an ideal world, we would all prepare three meals a day at home from fresh ingredients for every meal. But many people don’t have the time or cooking skills to do this, so they rely on convenience foods. These foods can be convenient, but they also often contain unhealthy fats, sodium and sugar. They might also lack micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, that help keep the body healthy.
A healthy lifestyle is a way of living that reduces your risk for serious illness and increases your life expectancy. It involves regular physical activity; eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet; not smoking or taking any unnecessary medications; and getting enough sleep and relaxation.
Convenience foods can be part of a healthy lifestyle if they are prepared in a health-conscious manner. This means choosing those that are lower in added sugars, sodium and artificial ingredients. It is also important to choose those that are low in saturated and trans fats. You can find these options in the frozen food and ready-to-eat sections of the grocery store, as well as in products like Jell-O, microwaveable brown rice, and canned fruits and vegetables. Also, when the product directions call for milk or butter, try using low-fat or fat-free varieties. The same goes for salt; opt for the less-salty options or use other herbs and spices to add flavor instead. Finally, if the product is high in sodium, look for a lower-sodium or no-salt-added version.