Packaged Foods That Can Be Healthy
By Sara Butler
You've probably heard it once or twice: If you want to shop for healthy food, avoid the middle aisles of the grocery store. That's often where the highly processed foods are kept and those aren't exactly known to be the cornerstone of a healthy diet. But there are some packaged foods that break the mold when it comes to health. In fact, there are some packaged foods that can be healthy!
Beans
Canned beans are actually good for you. They're full of protein and fiber and make for an easy addition to a lot of meals. The only trick to choosing canned beans is to opt for beans that are low in sodium and seasoning. When you get your beans home, drain them and wash them with water before adding them to your food in order to further reduce the sodium level.
Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are actually very healthy for you as long as they don't come with any sauces or seasonings included. They're just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts, maybe even more nutritious since they're picked and flash-frozen at their peak of freshness. They make a great addition to soups, casseroles, and stews or are just great on their own. Don't be afraid to use them as a side dish as a standalone, either.
Tuna in Water
If you want to make sure you get a lot of nutritional bang for your buck with canned foods, then tuna is always a winner. As long as it's packed in water and not oil, it's low in calories and full of nutrients such as Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and high in omega-3 fatty acids. It makes for a great meal on the go too. Just combine it with some whole grain crackers or put it on a bed of dark leafy greens and you've got yourself a very healthy meal from a can!
Yogurt
There are some yogurts that are no better for you than a candy bar since they're full of so many added sugars. But certain yogurts, such as plain Greek yogurt, are full of protein and very good for you. Just make sure to choose one without artificial sweeteners or colors and add your own mix-ins such as fruit or honey.
You don't have to avoid all packaged foods in order to stay healthy, you simply need to be able to tell the foods that aren't good for you from the ones that are.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Columbus, Ohio.