Ready-to-eat meals are convenient, but they are often less nutritious than home-prepared meals. So, it’s time to stop eating unhealthy instant foods.
We are tempted when we think of ready-to-eat dal chawal, chicken biryani, prawn rice, etc. It’s easy to prepare, doesn’t take long, and is relatively inexpensive. That’s right, after a long day, a ready-to-eat meal will look much more appealing than going to the kitchen and preparing a meal. Some people find foods like chicken sausage and chicken salami to be an easy and delicious way to start the day. But do ready-made foods provide all the nutrients your body needs? Read on to find out why avoiding convenience foods is good for your health.
What is a ready-to-eat meal?
Ready-to-eat meals, often referred to as instant meals or prepackaged meals, are foods that are fully cooked, prepared, and packaged for quick and easy consumption. These meals are typically available in a variety of formats, including frozen dinners, canned soups, microwaveable dishes, and prepackaged salads.
Reasons to avoid instant foods
Ready-to-eat meals vary widely in terms of nutritional content. Some are relatively healthy and provide essential nutrients, while others are high in unhealthy ingredients such as sugar, saturated fat and sodium, says Dr. Sanjay Singh, a general internist at Cygnus Lakshmi Hospital in Varanasi. It is said that there are also. It is essential to read the nutrition label and ingredient list of these products to determine their nutritional value. So you might get some protein with chicken salami or a little bit of health benefits with canned corn or peas. However, not all ready-to-eat foods contain all the nutrients your body needs.
Here are some reasons why you should avoid these processed foods.
{{{html data}}}
1. Rich in processed ingredients
Many ready-to-eat foods contain large amounts of processed ingredients such as preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors. Consuming these additives on a regular basis can have negative effects on your health.
2. High in sodium
The sodium (salt) content of ready-to-eat foods is often increased to enhance flavor and extend shelf life. Excess sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, experts say. According to the National Health Service, around three-quarters of the salt we consume comes from food, including ready-to-eat meals.
{{{html data}}}
3. Low nutrient density
Some ready-to-eat foods lack essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can provide empty calories without the nutritional benefits you need to stay healthy.
Customize your feed by choosing topics that interest you.
Personalize now
4. High in unhealthy fats
Certain ready-to-eat foods can be high in unhealthy saturated and trans fats, which can raise your cholesterol levels and ultimately increase your risk of heart disease, experts say.
5. Weight gain
Many instant meals are large and can encourage overeating, leading to weight gain and associated health problems such as obesity. Also, on average, many ready-to-eat foods are high in calories due to added fat and sugar, so replacing them with healthier homemade options can lead to significant calorie savings. For example, if a typical frozen ready-to-eat meal contains about 500 to 800 calories, and you eat one of these meals every day, you’ll save about 3,500 to 5,600 calories per week. Over time, when combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, this calorie reduction can contribute to weight loss or help maintain a healthier weight.
However, you can make your meals healthier by adding fresh vegetables and salads. You don’t need to be a chef or yourself to do this.
