The dependency on package food have increased in recent years due to many reasons such as convenience instead of cooking elaborate meals, saves cooking time, longer shelf life, easy on pocket, etc. As the health of consumers started to decline the food industry, bought a new twist and introduced healthy food products.
One of the leading reason of increasing dependency on so called “healthy” package food is due to companies “Good marketing strategies”. While so-called “healthy” food products may also offer convenience, it’s important to be cautious and not solely rely on them for your nutritional needs. Reading labels, understanding ingredient lists, and prioritizing fresh, whole foods are crucial steps towards making informed and health-conscious food choices.I am listing a few claimed “ healthy” Indian package food products that you should completely avoid buying.
1. Fruit juices (Package food)
You are tempted to buy them because since childhood, we are taught that fruit juices are healthy. They are loaded with antioxidants. Most of us hate eating fruits, but have you wondered why do we love fruit juices? Because these packaged fruit juices are loaded with sugar. As you can see in the image, they hardly have any fruit juice concentrate and they have sugar to make you addicted. Don’t buy them. Instead you can choose home squeezed fruit juices.
2. Instant noodles (Package food):
I know this is a heart breaker. But the truth is that instant noodles contain a variety of additives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), artificial flavors, and preservatives. They have high sodium content which can lead to water retention, bloating, and increased blood pressure. This strains the cardiovascular system and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Also the whole wheat or any other flour based noodles don’t have enough of these so called healthy flours. They are often high in refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats while lacking sufficient amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The lack of fiber in instant noodles can lead to digestive problems such as constipation.
3. Brown breads (Package food)
Brown bread is often perceived as healthier than white bread because it is assumed to contain more whole wheat. However, it’s essential to check the ingredient list and ensure that the bread is made primarily from WHOLE wheat flour. Some bread labeled as “brown” may still contain a significant amount of refined wheat flour, which diminishes its nutritional value. Another point to remember, commercial brown breads may contain added sugars to enhance the taste. It’s always advisable to read the labels, understand the ingredient list, and choose breads.
4. Biscuits
While biscuits can be a convenient and enjoyable snack, there are several reasons why you may not want to buy them. This includes rusk/Khari/butter. Most of these are high in unhealthy ingredients. This includes refined flour, added sugars, unhealthy fats (trans fats and saturated fats), and artificial additives. These ingredients contribute to weight gain, increased risk for diseases (diabetes, heart diseases, PCOS, etc.), and other health issues when consumed in excess. Talking about the healthy biscuits available in the market, read the food labels and you will be shocked to see that an oat biscuit has only 9% oats in it. A few jaw dropped examples have been circled here for your reference. This also includes local.
5. Flavoured milk/curd
While they are tempting due to different flavours and taste, it is advisable to avoid its consumption. They often contains significant amounts of added sugars to enhance its taste and which also increases the calorie content. Excessive sugar and or calorie consumption can lead to weight gain, dental problems, insulin resistance. This also increases risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Choosing unsweetened or low-sugar alternatives is a healthier choice.
Bottom line
It’s important to note that while packaged foods offer convenience, they often lack the nutritional value of fresh, whole foods. Overreliance on so called healthy packaged foods can also lead to imbalances in nutrient intake, increased consumption of unhealthy ingredients, and a higher risk of chronic health conditions. Striking a balance between convenience and a diet rich in fresh, minimally processed foods, like our home cooked meals, is essential for maintaining optimal health. This is why our clients fall in love with our customised diet programs. We include staple foods, provide easy and time saving recipes, and provide sustainable tips to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Do not believe me? Click here to see what our clients eat. If you want to know more about our customised diet program, reach out to us here (whatsApp link) or call on +919930001817
