The best alternatives to processed foods that you can make at home

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Were you aware that alternatives to processed foods can provide you with numerous health benefits? Furthermore, you can enjoy a tasty treat while still receiving all of the nutrients that your body requires to obtain a steady stream of energy throughout the day. Let’s first take a look at the dangers of processed substances before moving on to discuss some unique options at your disposal.

What are commercially prepared foods and why are they unhealthy?

Commercially prepared foods are generally those which contain numerous additives, preservatives, and fillers. Artificial colors and flavors are also frequently present. Some common prepared food examples include:

  • Canned vegetables
  • Processed cheese
  • Meat by-products such as bacon, sausage and salami
  • The majority of fast foods
  • Microwaveable meals

While these foods may be convenient, the fact of the matter is that they pose a number of health risks. Commercially produced substances can lead to weight gain, they contribute to bloating and they may cause digestive issues. Furthermore, many have been linked to serious conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

It is therefore clear to appreciate why alternatives to processed foods have become popular.

Examples of commercially prepared foods

What are the benefits of homemade food recipes

There are many advantages directly associated with healthier ingredients. You might even be slightly surprised to learn about the effects that these can have upon your lifestyle.

Powerful Sources of Vitamins and Nutrients

The practice of healthy eating at home will provide your body with all-natural sources of crucial vitamins and nutrients. Unfortunately, processed materials often contain only minimal concentrations of these substances.

Sustained Levels of Energy Throughout The Day

Many processed foods are high in refined sugar. This often results in a sugar rush followed by a sugar “crash”. On the contrary, natural foods contain simple sugars; substances capable of offering constant sources of energy. This is important if you hope to remain active and alert.

A Reduced Body Mass Index (BMI)

One of the leading causes of obesity involves the consumption of processed foods. This leads to a higher body mass index (BMI) and as a result, the health risks mentioned above (such as adult-onset diabetes) are more likely to occur. Natural ingredients are lower in calories and as a result, it is much easier to achieve your ideal body weight.

List of the tastiest and healthiest ingredients to include in your meals

The good news is that there are numerous types of healthy meals to make at home. This always begins with choosing healthier ingredients. Here is a short list of nutritious (and tasty) constituents to consider:

  • Leafy green vegetables (such as broccoli, spinach and kale)
  • Plain (sugar-free) Greek yogurt
  • Lentils and chickpeas
  • Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries
  • Soy milk

There are many examples of prepared foods that can be substituted for healthier ones. You just have to choose the ones you like the most!

Healthy meals to make at home

Examples of prepared foods that can be substituted by homemade food

Commercially prepared foods usually contain ingredients that can cause you to gain weight. Instead, you can choose to buy fresh, natural and healthy foods and prepare them in delicious recipes. Let us now take a look at some alternatives to processed foods that can be made from the comfort of your own home.

Tomato-based Pasta Sauce

Jarred pasta sauce is often filled with sugar, HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) and sodium. Some brands have 900 mg (over a third of your recommended daily amount) of sodium and 11 grams of sugar in one serving. You don’t have to miss the vitamins A and C in good quality tomato sauce.

Just make it yourself at home using garden fresh tomatoes and spices such as onion, basil and garlic. Try this homemade food recipe and you will realize how easy it can be to make healthy tomato sauce at home. If you want to make a lot of sauce at one time and can do it, that couldn’t be simpler.

Prepared Chicken, Tuna or Shrimp Salad

Don’t be deceived by the word salad. These commercially prepared dishes are loaded with mayonnaise and oils that can make the calorie content jump way too high to be considered worthy of being called salad.

Use flavored mustard such as Dijon or honey mustard, herbs and spices and maybe even some yogurt for added moisture when you make a much healthier version of these dishes at home.

As opposed to a commercially processed chicken salad that is high in salt and preservatives, opt for an organic alternative. Combine lettuce, cooked chicken breast, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and whole-grain croutons for a tasty treat.

Prepared Chicken, Tuna or Shrimp Salad

Bran muffins are packed with healthy ingredients such as fiber, Omega 3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals. That’s the good news. The bad news is that commercially available bran muffins are often big enough to count as an entire meal, even before you add jam, jelly or butter on top. And some have up to 600 mg of sodium.

Even if you find a lower sodium version in your local café or coffee shop, do you have the discipline to eat half and save half for later? If you don’t, you can still enjoy a morning bran muffin. Just bake them at home using a mini-muffin tin. This homemade food recipe tames the worst parts of the store-bought bran muffin and makes them actually a healthy treat.

Foods that are not processed

Avocado and Lime Linguine

Processed pastas normally contain high levels of gluten and they can be difficult to digest. The good news is that homemade linguine will eliminate these risks. Prepare a plate of gluten-free linguine with avocado puree and a splash of lime for a much-needed burst of flavor. It is one of the best alternatives to processed foods!

Roasted Cod with Beetroot

Commercially prepared fish normally contain high concentrations of mercury and some varieties (such as salmon) are artificially coloured (some even linked to carcinogenic effects). Why not instead air fry a filet of cod and top it off with a healthy side of beetroot? Beetroot contains plenty of antioxidants and it lessens the chances of developing heart disease

Include in your diet with Spatz3 foods that are not processed

Eliminate commercially prepared foods from your daily routine and you will notice the changes in your body. When these healthy and tasty meals are combined with the Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon, you can rest assured in the knowledge that your body is receiving all of the nutrients that it requires. Feel free to experiment with even more sumptuous meal suggestions!

Once you start rethinking the prepared foods you’re buying, you can increase your intake of healthy nutrients, and often save money too, by preparing food at home. Some other foods that can be made at home more easily, healthfully and affordably include smoothies, baked potatoes (without all the toppings in restaurant offerings) and soups.

Whenever you’re inspired to take control of your health, take a look at the Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon to see how it can help you meet your personal wellness goals. And include these amazing alternatives to processed foods in your diet. Get into good habits!

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