I use the word foods above in quotation marks because some of these items are questionable as actual foods when looking at the ingredient lists. These are foods I bought often; they were pretty much staples in our home before we switched to real foods and more healthy options. Surprisingly, many of these foods are considered by most people to be healthy choices; I know they were for me for many years. I look at these items now and their ingredient lists and I am appalled that I bought these and actually ate them, and thought I was doing something good for my health and body.
These are in no particular order.
1. Frozen Dinners. These were a staple in my home. They were great for lunch or dinner on the night's I wanted something quick and easy; or so I thought. I always read the nutritional information and picked dinners that were lower calories and fat; most often buying "Lean Cuisine", "Healthy Choice" and "Stouffers" brands. Now if I want Mac & Cheese I make it instead of heating it in a box.
These are in no particular order.
1. Frozen Dinners. These were a staple in my home. They were great for lunch or dinner on the night's I wanted something quick and easy; or so I thought. I always read the nutritional information and picked dinners that were lower calories and fat; most often buying "Lean Cuisine", "Healthy Choice" and "Stouffers" brands. Now if I want Mac & Cheese I make it instead of heating it in a box.
2. Processed Cheese Slices. I always had a package of cheese slices in the fridge for making grilled cheeses. Now I simply use real cheese and they taste so much better.
3. Flavored Yogurts (especially low fat versions). I always thought I was eating so healthy when I ate flavored yogurt cups, especially the low-fat or no-fat versions. I usually stayed away from the artificially sweetened ones because I never liked the chemical after taste. Now I eat plain, natural, full-fat yogurts that I sweeten myself with honey or maple syrup and fruit. So much better :)
4. Canned Soups. This was another food I always had in my pantry and loved for a quick lunch. Of course I bought the healthier versions with less salt and often healthy in the name. Even the lower salt options tend to have huge amounts of salt and other questionable ingredients. Now if I want soup I make a big pot and freeze the leftovers for other days. This way you control what ingredients get added.
5. Flavored Coffee Creamer. I am sad to admit I often indulged in this one. I loved to add these to a coffee in the morning. Again, these come in light options to make us think we are doing something good. Now I look at the ingredients and wonder where the "food" is. I simply use cream now if I have a coffee and maple syrup for sweet and flavor.
Yes, it does take more time and effort to make things yourself but I am much happier that I am not adding big piles of ingredients I don't know, along with added sugars, colours and chemicals. These things can not be good for us in the long run.
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