What is the difference between convenience and junk foods?
Unfortunately, ‘convenience’ food has become linked to ‘junk’ food. However, lots of processed convenience foods are far from junk. The frozen pea, for example, is very convenient. Easy to store and cook, it often has more vitamins than so-called ‘fresh’ peas. Frozen fish is a very healthy convenience food, especially if you don’t fry it! Tinned beans are good. Dried, frozen or unsweetened tinned fruits are good too. Ready-made products like cakes, pastries, pies, burgers and sausages are a minefield for the unwary. Many are fine, but some are high in fat, sugar and salt. Most everyday convenience foods have their low-fat equivalent, so look out for these and read the nutrition labels carefully. A good rule of thumb is to check that the level of fat does not exceed 3 grams per 100g.
