Last Updated on August 25, 2024
Discover the hidden dangers of ready-to-eat foods and learn how simple homemade alternatives can safeguard your family’s health. Former Diet Counselor Madhura Menasi reveals essential tips for a healthier lifestyle amidst busy schedules.
With today’s world focused on nuclear families and busy work shifts who has time to cook. Therefore, “ready-to-eat” (RTE) foods have become a convenient answer to many. Like rasam pastes, soups, dosa batter, idli batter, pickles, dairy products, and frozen foods.
The Convenience Factor
RTE foods do help save a lot of time though, they are nice quick meal solutions that require no preparation at all. They add diversity too, because without them, families would go days without having something new to eat, and not everyone is a cook. With the pretty packaging and accessibility to them they seem like a good quick option for a busy household.
Hidden Dangers
But then again, the convenience of RTE foods are deceptive. These products often contain high levels of preservatives and chemicals to extend their shelf life, which can be harmful over time. They are also usually very high in sodium (which leads to cardiovascular problems) and have an obscene amount of carbs and added sugars (which can lead to diabetes). Not only that, but a lot of RTE foods have bad fats in them that can lead to obesity and high cholesterol.
Impact on Children
Kids are especially likely to eat RTE foods because mom and dad are too busy. Although these foods are delicious and easily accessible, they are very unhealthy for young children and could lead to obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases.
Healthier Alternatives
Cook at Home: Whenever you can, whip up your meals at home. Home cooking is a lot healthier and there are no added preservatives.
Wake Up Early: All it takes is 45 minutes of your time to wake up earlier and make your family a delicious and healthy meal. Even with a hectic schedule, easy recipes and meal prepping can make this possible.
Limit RTE Foods: Don’t eat RTE food all the time.
Check Expiry Dates: Always check the expiry dates on RTE products to avoid consuming expired items, which can be hazardous to health.
Homemade Batters: Dosa and idli batter made at home keeps in the refrigerator for 2 days. Always keep your goodies in air tight containers to keep them fresh and yummy.
Homemade Snacks: And instead of those processed RTE snacks, eat some nuts and dry fruits and fresh fruits. Those are good substitutes because they are a lot healthier and do not contain added sugars and fats.
Cooking Together: Cooking together as a family can save time and make the process enjoyable. Take this opportunity to get to know each other and talk about different things, make cooking an enjoyable experience.
Also Read This: Tulsi Kashaya: A Timeless Remedy from Our Ancestral Wisdom
Simple Homemade Solutions
Homemade Jam: Utilize weekends to prepare homemade items like jam. It would be sweet to make your own jam. Use fresh, local fruits and follow simple recipes. Home made jams are a lot healthier and they last for weeks and they are delicious spread on food.
Instant Mixes: Prepare instant mixes for idli, dosa, and upma. Mix the dry ingredients in advance and store them in airtight containers. When needed, just add water and cook. Fresh food is always the best choice!
Frozen Parathas: Like on the weekend make a bunch of parathas, and keep them frozen for a day or two. It’s something that can be quickly nuked on a busy weekday morning.
Sprouted Grains: And sprouts like moong and keep them in the refrigerator. They are great in salads, soups, and stir-frys, and provide a nutritious protein-filled part to your meal.
Dry Fruit and Nut Bars: Jaggery and nuts and seeds, homemade dry fruit and nut bars. Those are good crackers to keep around and eat during the week. Customize them to suit your taste!
Evening Snacks: Instead of eating junk food in the evening time, develop the habit of eating fruit and nuts, they’re healthy and you feel full longer.
Also Read This: Celebrating Breastfeeding Week: Vital Benefits and Support for Mothers
Last Peg
Although convenience foods are a great thing, one must know the risks to their health. All you have to do is balance the RTE foods with home cooking and healthy food, and you and your family will be a lot healthier. A lil4 thought and some minor adjustments in every day life and one could eat so much better and be so much healthier.
(Madhura Menasi is a former diet counselor, homemaker, and mother of two, with a focus on nutrition and wellness. She writes engaging articles on diet, food, and home remedies for Gamana News.)
Pictures Credit: Pexels