Meat-flavoured rice
“Boxed rice mixes are super tasty because food manufacturers add tons of salt and flavour enhancers like MSG and caramel colour,” explains Pine. “Some folks with food sensitivities, especially those susceptible to migraines, can react very poorly to MSG. Make your own healthy pilaf with garlic, onion and rice. Choose brown, red, or black rice to make it a whole-grain dish for added fibre and nutrients.”
Pre-grilled chicken breasts
In short, there’s nothing even remotely redeeming here. “Look at the package when making your grocery store decisions,” says Whiteson. “Pre-cooked chicken is often loaded with lots of bad stuff to make it have a longer shelf life – all the while reducing your life! All that added sodium will bloat you for days!”
Lunch kits for kids
If you’re cringing thinking about how many kiddie lunch kits you’ve eaten in your lifetime, you’re not alone! It’s disheartening that products marketed at children and busy parents can be so insanely unhealthy. “These processed snack packs are filled with sodium and saturated fat, and provide little to no fibre,” says Whiteson. “In fact, many versions of these processed snack products can set you back 600mg of sodium – that’s about 30 percent of your recommended daily amount! Your children are probably begging for these snack packs that their friends have in the playground. No matter how cheap and convenient they may seem, don’t give in. They are not worth it!”