1. Levels of Convenience
You can classify a convenience food product into several categories. Raw food products include those that require full preparation, such as a fresh eggplant. Before eating an eggplant, you must slice and cook it. You may even remove the peel. A basic product requires some preparation, such as a package of pre-cubed squash from the produce section of your supermarket. Before eating the squash, you still must cook it; however, gone is the initial preparatory step of cubing the squash. Ready-to-use products might include frozen pizzas that are otherwise ready but still require cooking before eating. Precooked products include frozen vegetables, ready-cooked ham or canned beans that simply need warming through. Table-ready products include those that go directly from the market to your table, such as a can of peanuts or box of crackers.
2. Ready, Set, Serve
People love convenience food because it makes life easier. Convenience food saves the working family time at the end of a long day and gets dinner ready faster. They transport easily as well. Who doesn't appreciate the convenience of pre-packed fried chicken and ready-made tubs of macaroni salad for a summer picnic? Convenience food typically has a longer shelf life as opposed to fresh food, as is the case with canned items, and they take up less space than fresh food. Manufacturers now process canned and frozen items in such a way as to minimize nutritional loss.
3. Hold the Additives
There are also downsides to convenience food, however. High levels of fat, sodium and calories contribute to certain health conditions, such as obesity and diabetes. Likewise, convenience foods typically contain additives, such as preservatives and food colorings, which extend their shelf life but may be a health concern for some people. Convenience food may also be a more expensive choice.
4. Choosing Wisely
You should weigh the risks and benefits of using both conventional and convenience food. Thinking of buying fast food through a drive-thru? Pick up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store as an alternative. Instead of serving pre-packed potatoes, take 15 minutes to boil your own. That way, you can control the amount of butter, salt and cream you add to your side dish. Before you purchase a can of stew from the store shelf, consider buying ready-cut stew vegetables and meat instead. You'll eliminate the extra fat and salt and probably enjoy the taste even more.
5. Fast and Fit
While most people associate convenience food with chips and frozen fish sticks, parents should encourage kids to choose healthy convenience foods as snacks. Sliced apples and peanut butter, carrots and ranch dressing or a bowl of low-sugar cereal are quick and nutritious. Keep a container of cut up fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator or have fruit leather, plain popcorn or juice popsicles on hand when your kids are hungry.
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