Processed Plant Based Pastas Are Good Options

From a nutritional standpoint, both processed and ultra-processed food products can provide key nutrients that are retained during processing. In addition, foods can be fortified with specific nutrients to prevent deficiencies and the related health problems. Frozen, pre-packed, and microwavable meals are convenient and may taste okay. The problem with ready meals is that they are contain excessive amounts of added salt, sugar, and fat.

Any whole food counterpart is likely much lower in calories. Although everyone likes a crispy, crunchy snack at times, chips do not resemble the potato or ear of corn they are made from. Moreover, these addictive snacks can contain large amounts of fat, sodium, and sugary flavorings. It is possible to include some processed food into a healthy menu plan, but you may need to improve your skills at deciphering nutrition facts labels.

Preparing meals from scratch using the freshest, most nutritious ingredients is ideal when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle. But, claims that all processed foods are unhealthy is simply not true. Some foods are altered for safety reasons, some are fortified, and others are simply pre-prepped for your convenience, such as:

• Plant Based Pastas – Maybe you make your pasta from scratch where you control all of the ingredients, but for most people a healthy option for the standard store-bought noodles are plant-based pastas made from chickpeas, lentils, or other legumes.
• Canned Beans – Although you have to watch for sodium content in canned beans, you can rinse chickpeas or lentils before adding them to your favorite dish. Plus, this plant protein has good shelf life as an available side dish.
• Frozen or Canned Fish – Fish are a part of numerous healthy menu plans, but fresh fish is not readily available in all places year round. Since the American Heart Association recommends two servings a week, there are healthy frozen and canned options.
• Olive Oil – Olive oil is a healthy fat. Due to the fact that extra virgin olive oil is the least processed, it retains more of its natural antioxidants and vitamins than regular olive oil. Not only is extra virgin olive oil considered to be healthier, but it is also less expensive.
• Whole Grain Brown Rice – Many of the nutrients in whole grain brown rice help keep your heart healthy. It is a rich source of dietary fiber. Brown rice also contains high levels of magnesium, which can reduce your risk of death from coronary diseases. It is also gluten-free.
• Protein Rich Cottage Cheese – Also known as curds and whey, protein-rich cottage cheese is processed from fresh cow’s milk by draining the cheese, retaining the whey, and keeping the curds loose in the mix. It’s a heart-healthy food that may help to prevent certain types of cancer.
• Fermented Vegetables – Sauerkraut is a traditional fermented food made from shredded cabbage and salt. It is a potent sour side dish with a long shelf life that is rich in beneficial bacteria for maintain a healthy gut balance. However, compare the salt and sugar content on the product labels.

Nutrition facts labelling helps shape consumers’ food choices and provide reasonably accurate information about processed and packaged foods, such as the ingredients by weight, nutritional values, and serving size. If you goal is to live a healthy lifestyle, it not just about cutting out calories. You can make healthier food decisions every time you shop at the supermarket by reading and using the information contained on food labels for processed foods.

As you develop label reading skills, it will become easier for you to make quick, informed decisions about processed food products. This vital for anyone wishing to improve their menu plan without giving up on all processed foods. Although the nutrition facts label on your favorite breakfast cereal tells you it is chocked full of vitamins and minerals, fortifying a food doesn’t mean it is really healthy. Highly processed cereals can be loaded with added sugars, sodium, and even fat.