Healthy, Whole, Convenience Food

It's time for a food attitude adjustment; convenience is not just limited to low-nutrient food choices. Plenty of healthy foods can be easily stored and whipped up in minutes in the time it would take you to pick up takeout.

Meals In Minutes

Nutrition Consultants of Tulsa Top 10 Healthy "Convenience" Foods

The supermarket is home to a number of convenient whole foods that can help you prepare healthy meals in minutes. Here are a few top choices…

1. Fresh Fruit - The world's original fast food, fresh fruit such as apples, bananas, pears, grapes, peaches and oranges (try Cuties!) come with natural grab and go packaging.
2. Bagged Salad Greens - Toss a bag of pre-washed salad greens into your cart and you've got a quick side salad. Make it an entrée by adding chopped cooked chicken or steamed shrimp, grated carrots, diced, fresh or dried fruit, a few nuts and a splash of olive oil dressing.
3. Fish Fillets - Top an individually frozen fish fillet with herbs, garlic and lemon. Put it under the broiler for 7 minutes per inch of thickness and serve with a side of frozen, microwavable brown rice and a salad for a quick, tasty meal.
4. Whole Grains - Place whole grains such as quinoa, bulgur, or brown rice into a rice cooker with water, push the button and walk away. Toss the steamed grains with leftover cooked lean meat, herbs, garlic, and chopped vegetables for a delicious dinner.
5. Yogurt - Yogurt makes a great snack as long as it has less than 7 grams of sugar/serving.
6. Frozen vegetable - Frozen vegetables come in microwavable bags that require no effort!
7. Canned beans - Rinse a can of beans to lessen sodium and then add to salads, side dishes, rice, soups, sauces and stews.
8. Canned tomatoes - Stir a can of low-sodium tomatoes into pastas, soups, and sauces for an easy added vegetable.
9. Nuts - Add any nut to a salad or a snack mix for added fiber and omega-3s.
10. Oatmeal - The perfect breakfast or after school snack. Pop the low sugar varieties into the microwave and add milk, nuts and fruit.