Basing our diet on food instead of products is a good first step to a healthy diet. That means leaving the processed ones in the background. However, sometimes it is necessary to pull some products that facilitate the task of cooking in a short time. We can call these products “good processed” and, as a general rule, they consist of few ingredients and have very limited or no added sugar and salt. Like all these that we can find in Mercadona, one of the most popular supermarkets in Spain:
firm tofu
Products traditionally linked to the veggie diet have reached supermarkets and, consequently, the general public, to stay. This is the case of firm tofu, which is used for recipes like this tofu in tangerine sauce or for sautéing or smoking. East of Mercadona only contains water, soy, coagulants and salt.
Gazpacho and salmorejo Hacendado
Both Mercadona’s white label gazpacho and salmorejo are made only with extra virgin olive oil and the ingredients that these dishes traditionally contain. Although they are very simple recipes that we can prepare at home, buying it prepared saves cooking time.
Cups of white and red quinoa Hacendado
The great advantage of these quinoa cups is that we just need to put them in the microwave for a minute and it’s ready to drink. They are ideal to take away if we are going to eat away from home and we do not have time to prepare anything more elaborate. Although the idea is to complement it with grilled or raw vegetables (carrots, zucchini), cooked legumes or even some fish. A complete dish that we can enjoy in a few minutes.
Natural salmon cans
Canned salmon can be used to liven up a boring salad or to mix it with quinoa cups. It is made up of only three ingredients: salmon, water and salt and, although the flavor will not be like that of natural or smoked salmon, the easy to transport and store anywhere is a great point in its favor.
Natural or roasted dried fruits
One of the snacks most popular to eat something healthy between meals are nuts natural or toasted and Mercadona has a fairly varied selection when choosing. In addition to snacking, they are also an ace in the hole to integrate into our smoothie bowls or to give a crunchy touch to salads.
Cooked vegetables in pot
Another prepared food that can save us from more than one hurry and that should always be in the pantry are already cooked legumes. Chickpeas and lentils are usually the most popular and can help us brighten up a salad, in addition to giving it a good supply of protein. Of course, remember to wash them well beforehand to reduce sodium intake.
Chickpeas in the garden
The chickpeas to the gardener of Hacendado already prepared and ready to heat are a good option to consume legumes. They contain chickpeas, cooking water, cabbage, spinach, carrot, potato, tomato, onion and salt. In total, 76 kcal in 100 grams with a very good protein intake.
oriental tabbouleh
Although it contains sunflower oil (extra virgin olive oil is always the best option), the rest of the ingredients are wheat semolina, pepper, tomato, onion, lemon juice, raisins, vinegar, salt and spices.
tahini
Although this sesame paste has a high amount of calories, it is made exclusively from sesame, so it is a good processed. It is Very versatile and it can be added to many other foods: with yogurt, with hummus, etc.
Low-sugar oatmeal cereals
Oatmeal has a large amount of protein per 100 grams, as well as a lot of fiber. This helps regulate intestinal transit and reduces the chances of colorectal cancer. If you still find it hard to eat it, Mercadona has it in the form of crunchy cereals to make them more appetizing. Combine them with peanut butter (without sugar) and you will see.
Photos | Mercadona and Unsplash
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