You don’t always have the motivation or the time to cook so it seems like the perfect solution. Practical, quick, economical: the premade meals have invaded our kitchens. But are all these products really safe for our health? Let’s review that together.
First, let’s talk about the different types of pre-cooked meals.
First we have prepared meals from the caterer or the fresh department. Cooked for the most part with quality, fresh and seasonal products, and with a short consumption date. In this category, we traditionally find dishes in sauces, quiches and gratins.
Then, canned prepared meals. Usually contained in boxes, trays or jars, their consumption date is long. Ravioli, cassoulet, blanquette and salted lentils are the star recipes in this category.
Finally, frozen ready meals. Fairly similar to the fresh products that compose them in terms of taste and nutritional qualities, they benefit from a consumption period ranging from two months to a year. Crêpes, pizza, lasagna, paella, couscous: almost all the recipes in the world fill the freezers.
The first step in getting healthy pre-cooked meals is trying to decrypt the labels.
A portion of prepared meal weighs on average 300-400 g. Its energy value fluctuates between 350 kcal and 700 kcal approximately. As for vitamins and minerals, most of the micronutrients volatilized during the preparation process and in particular canning.
The scientists all agree on one thing and it’s that feeding only on pre-cooked meals isn’t healthy at all. Indeed, as mentioned above food tends to lose its nutritional value through the process. Plus, fresh products allow you to eat seasonal products which brings you the right amount of nutrients.
You can eat pre-cooked meals if…
It is possible to introduce prepared dishes into your menu while preserving a balanced diet! As long as you review the list and proportion of ingredients. Pay attention to the sugar, fat and salt content. Look at the presence of additives, flavor enhancers and conservators. Select recipes with carbohydrate levels less than 20% and protein / fat ratio equal to or greater than 1 (the amount of fat should be less than the amount of protein).
Assuming that the portions are generally smaller than the portions that normally make up a complete meal, do not hesitate to balance your menu with a starter and a dessert. To compensate for the lack in protein generally found in the composition of prepared meals, you can for example consume dairy products.
Interesting alternative to pre-cooked meals.
You don’t have time for grocery shopping or to plan your daily meals ?
You can always order your meal plans with fresh ingredients from brands like Hello Fresh.
HelloFresh is a food brand that delivers ingredients for easy recipes that you previously selected via the app or the website. It’s very easy and convenient. You just choose your recipes on a weekly basis, you receive the ingredients in a food box and then you cook !
The whole point is to save time by avoiding grocery shopping. You also save time because you don’t have to think about what you will cook, you already have recipes planned. All recipes are meant to remain healthy and well proportioned to avoid any waste. Perfect for responsible citadian workers.
If you guys liked this article don't hesitate to leave a comment ! See you next time for another foodie article 😉.
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