I cant' tell you how many times I encounter people who tell me they don't use any convenience foods. I sometimes shake my head or giggle because in this day an age, it's virtually impossible not to have these types of foods in your home. I don't know anyone who makes their own chips, ice cream, bread or milks their own cows on a regular basis. If you do, kudos to you. For the rest of us, we all have to admit that we sometimes or more often than not bring in some not so healthy convenience foods along with some great healthy choices. Here are a few that I bring in regularly and I'm not going to lie and say they are all inexpensive or uber healthy.
1. Emerald Natural Walnuts and Almonds 100 Calorie Packs
Satisfy snack attacks — and get your vitamin E and healthy omega-3 fats at the same time.
Per package: 100 calories, 9 g fat (1 g sat), 1 g fiber, 0 mg sodium ($5/box of 7)
2. Mini Babybel Light
Each portable semi-soft cheese is a stellar source of calcium. Bonus: Kid testers loved unwrapping its red waxy shell.
Per piece: 50 calories, 3 g fat (1.5 g sat), 0 g fiber, 160 mg sodium ($4/6-count pack; refrigerated)
3. Minute Ready to Serve Brown Rice
Pack one of these single-serve cups for lunch to enhance dinner leftovers.
Per cup: 170 calories, 4.5 g fat (0.5 g sat), 2 g fiber, 175 mg sodium ($2 to $2.19/2-pack)
4. Bertolli Meal Soups Tomato Florentine with Chicken
Very hearty and full of flavor. It's as easy as slicing the bag open dropping the contents into a pan and adding 1-1/2 cups water and serve. The amount of flavor in these soups is amazing and gourmet tasting.
Per 1 1/2 cup: 210 calories, 10 g fat (5.5 g sat), 5 g fiber, 22 g protein ($6.29 or $)
5. Rotisserie Chicken
A rotisserie chicken form the grocery store or Sam's club in my case can be your best friend. It can make for a wonderful meal. I use it for soups, sandwiches, salads and just plain along with a veggie side and pasta or rice.
One 3.5lb. chicken will yield 4-5 cups of sliced or shredded meat, both dark and white
Per 1 cup portion 156 calories, 8 g fat (2 g sat), 30 g protein, 90 mg sodium ($4.97ea)
6. Kozy Shack Original Rice Pudding Creamy comfort — and a nice shot of calcium.
Per snack cup: 130 calories, 3 g fat (2 g sat), 0 g fiber, 135 mg sodium ($3.69/6-pack; refrigerated)
7. Wish Bone Salad Spritzers Asian Silk Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette Dressing This blend of sesame oil, OJ, and soy sauce dresses greens with low-cal pizazz.
Per 10 sprays: 10 calories, 0.5 g fat (0 g sat), 0 g fiber, 100 mg sodium ($2.79/7 oz.; about 26 servings)
8. Bagged Baby Spinach
Quick and healthy and nutrient filled baby spinach is one of my favorite go to items from the store.
4-cup serving contains 20 calories, 2 grams of fiber, 160% of the Daily Value for vitamin A, 40% of the Daily Value for vitamin C, 8% of the Daily Value for calcium, and 40% of the Daily Value for folic acid. ($1.99 bag)
9. Pillsbury Canned Breadsticks 12ct
Amazing options come from these canned breadsticks. Great for kids.
Per 2 breadsticks serving 130 calories, 2 g fat (0 g sat), 4 g protein ($1.49can)
10. Rico's Chicken Tamales (no sauce)
I think everyone would be amazed at the amount of fat and calories that come in your tamale dinner at your local Mexican restaurant. By far these chicken tamales are the best nutritionally around. They are conveniently packages and ready to steam and serve. They are delicious and full of protein which really can give that carbohydrate count a run for it's money. Give them a try, they are worth it.
1 per serving: 230 calories, 11 g fat (4 g sat), 3 g fiber, 14 g protein ($6.99 for 6 count)
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