Healthy food choices for every meal

HEALTHY LUNCH CHOICES

By the time lunch time rolls around, dining on fast food or some type of easy-fix ‘lean’ or ‘low-fat’ microwavable meal may seem like the most convenient option.

These types of microwavable foods offer convenience and they’re labelled in such a way that makes you think they are healthy, but they are typically very high in sodium. While the calories and fat content tend to be lower with pre-packaged meals like Lean Cuisine, one serving may contain up to 30% or more of the recommended daily sodium intake of 2,400 milligrams — in just one meal!

Marci K Campbell, PhD, a Professor of Nutrition at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, suggests looking for microwavable meals that are higher in protein, but that have less than 500 milligrams of sodium per serving. “If the product contains less than 10 grams of protein,” she warns,” it probably won’t fill you up or feel like a meal.”

Sometimes the convenience factor is more important than choosing the healthiest option, so remember that requesting nutritional facts from your favourite fast food restaurant is a great strategy to maximise healthy midday eating.

Next: finish strong with a good meal