In today’s world, almost all food and beverage products are manufactured by companies as packaged items. Packaging is done in various ways to appeal to a wider range of customers.
Of course, all of this convenience came at a cost. To keep these foods fresh, they added additives, preservatives, and, in many cases, a lot of sodium and sugar.
So..Should you eat food straight out of the box?
It is not recommended! It’s all too easy to eat way more than you intended.
Have you ever eaten more than you intended because you ate right out of the box? We would have all done it at some point. .
It’s true that eating snacks or processed foods straight from the bag, box, or package can save you from having to clean up after yourself. However, it can quickly add up to hundreds of extra calories. A better idea: take a serving of the food out of the package and put it in a bowl or on a plate – and make eating it an occasion! Take time to savour & enjoy every bite. .
Common processed foods
- Breakfast cereals
- Cheese
- Tinned vegetables
- Bread
- Savory snacks such as crisps, sausage rolls, pies, and pasties
- Meat products, such as bacon, sausage, ham, salami and paté
- Cakes and biscuits
- Soft drinks
Historically, most packaged foods did not prioritize health. The more ingredients a food product contains, the less likely it is to be healthy. In any packaged food, aim for five or fewer ingredients — the fewer, the better. And always remember about calories
Processed food – on a spectrum from minimally to heavily processed
- Minimally processed foods — such as bagged spinach, cut vegetables, and roasted nuts — often are simply pre-prepped for convenience.
- Canned tomatoes, frozen fruit and vegetables, and canned tuna are examples of foods that are processed at their peak to retain nutritional quality and freshness
- Foods with flavor and texture enhancements (sweeteners, spices, oils, colors, and preservatives) include jarred pasta sauce, salad dressing, yogurt, and cake mixes
- Foods that are ready-to-eat, such as crackers, granola, and deli meat, are more heavily processed
- The most heavily processed foods often are pre-cooked meals including frozen pizza and microwaveable dinners
Because salt is frequently added to processed foods to preserve them and increase shelf life, processed foods are one of the main sources of sodium in our diets. Most vegetables, soups, and sauces in cans have salt added. To reduce the amount of salt you consume from processed foods, choose foods that have the labels "no salt added," "low-sodium," or "reduced-sodium."
Choose wisely!
Due to the high levels of unhealthy ingredients commonly found in highly-processed foods, making your meals from whole foods or using minimally processed ingredients, such as frozen fruits or vegetables, is usually a better option.
Take good care of your body and plan for a healthier future, always eat a healthy snack. Aside from developing healthy eating habits, you should also understand that engaging in any physical activity or exercising on a regular basis will keep you fit and strong. Get into a fitness routine with the best online personal training ! Staying motivated can always be a challenge, but with Stronglife’s best online fitness coaches in Australia, you’ll find a perfect way to stay active.
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