Convenience foods get a bad reputation. That is because we usually think of convenience foods as frozen pizza, potato chips, instant soups, and candy. These foods are convenient, delicious, and high in sugar, salt, or saturated fat. While these items are foods I do enjoy, I have another set of healthy convenience foods that I rely on daily.
Sometimes I have time to cook or make food from scratch. Other days, I don't have the time to spend preparing food. I like to rely on healthy convenience foods that in addition to being easy, also keep me feeling full and well nourished. Here are some of my favorite healthy convenience food I rely on as a registered dietitian.
Healthy Convenience Foods
bananas
baby carrots
canned beans
salad dressing
peanut butter
individual cups of yogurt
individual cups of cottage cheese
cheese sticks
canned tuna
whole wheat crackers
nuts
prepared hummus
frozen vegetables
canned vegetables
instant oatmeal
prewashed salad greens
shredded cabbage
dried dates
soup broth
Remember that good nutrition is not all or nothing. We can only make a decision from the options we have. When time is short, having these healthy convenience foods available will let you choose something nutritious for you and your family.