Are Ready-Made Meals Healthy?
When it comes to food, convenience is at the forefront of most people's minds.
Enter: Ready-made meals.
It’s no secret that ready-made meals, which were once dismissed as fast food alternatives, have changed for the better.
But are ready-made meals healthy? Let's dive into the world of pre-prepared meals and find out.
What Are Ready-Made Meals?
Ready-made meals, commonly known as pre-packaged or pre-prepared meals, are dishes that are pre-cooked and packaged for consumers. These meals only require heating before they're ready to eat.
Due to their popularity, the ready-made meal section at the grocery store is now jam-packed with options, from frozen pizzas to gourmet dishes.
In the early days, these meals were super unhealthy—filled with preservatives, high in sodium, and lacking in nutrition.
However, as demand for healthier choices grew, so did the industry’s offerings. These days, you can find nutrient-rich, organic, and diet-specific ready-made meals.
Healthy Ready-Made Meals: What To Look For
If you’re wondering if ready-made meals are healthy, we can share some pointers for finding the healthiest options on the shelf.
Check the ingredients
Always read the label. Opt for meals that list whole, recognisable ingredients rather than processed ones. It’s best to avoid meals with high amounts of artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours.
Watch out for sodium
A common drawback of many ready-made meals is their high sodium content. High sodium intake can lead to a range of health issues, including high blood pressure.
Look for healthy portion sizes
Some meals appear healthy but offer far larger portion sizes than one person needs. This means you could be overeating without even knowing it!
You want nutritional balance
Healthy ready-made meals are those with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. You also want your meal to contain a decent amount of fibre and be low in added sugars.
Dietary requirements
Many companies now cater to specific diets, such as vegan, gluten-free, or keto. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, check if the meal suits your needs.
The Benefits Of A Meal Delivery Service
Over the past few years, Australia has seen a rise in ready-made meals and meal delivery services. Nowadays, you’ll find an abundance of services that deliver fresh or frozen, pre-prepared meals straight to your door.
What does this mean for you?
It’s convenient
One of the main attractions is the sheer convenience. For those with a busy lifestyle, these meals can be a lifesaver. They eliminate meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking.
So much variety
Many meal delivery services offer a broad range of dishes so that you never get bored with your food choices. It's also a great way to try new cuisines.
Know what you’re getting
Most meal delivery services provide detailed nutritional information, making it easier for you to know what you’re putting into your body. You can also track your caloric intake, macros, and other nutritional metrics.
It’s personalised
Many services offer a personalised customer experience based on dietary needs or preferences. This means you can choose meals that align with your health goals or dietary requirements.
So, Are Ready-Made Meals Healthy?
Ready-made meals have had a bad rap in the past for being unhealthy, but the industry has changed.
Healthy ready-made meals are now available on the shelves and online; you just have to know what to look for.
Always remember to read the labels, be aware of portion sizes, and ensure the meal aligns with your nutritional needs.
By following these tips, you can find ready-made meals that are delicious, convenient, and good for you!
