When people say processed food, the first things that come to mind are hotdogs, bacon, and pre-cooked dinners. Although these taste amazing, these are high in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat, which may make them hasten your demise.
However, processed food can be extremely healthy, especially if you know which ones to buy. With that said, here's a list of the healthiest processed foods you can find on in your local grocery store:
Canned fish
Remember, though, it's best to pick ones stored in water, not oil. Canned fish's sodium content may be sky high (so pick ones with low sodium), but it will remain fresh for months - even years. Additionally, canned tuna and salmon are rich in protein and healthy unsaturated fat, like omega 3.
Canned beans
Ready-to-eat canned beans aren't only rich in protein, they are also convenient to have around. This is so, given that they can be eaten straight from a can. Furthermore, they are also rich in fiber, as well as a host of countless other vitamins and minerals.
Yogurt
Yogurt is mainly processed and fits all the descriptions of a sweet, comfort food, but it's actually one of the healthiest food products you can put on your belly. It is rich in probiotics (good bacteria) which aid digestion.
Bagged Popcorn
Wait, isn't popcorn junk food? Nah, it's actually pretty healthy - it is rich in dietary fiber, magnesium, and iron. Given that it is essentially corn, it is rich in protein. Pick out the unsalted variety and enjoy snacking! They are definitely better than unhealthy choices like potato chips and sugary cookies.
Frozen vegetables and fruits
In case you're unaware, frozen produce is as healthy as the ones fresh from the farms and orchards. Picking them is also a great option considering that you will be spending and waste less as well.
Other than the ones on this list, other processed food includes whole grain products, pasta, and unsweetened water and drinks. If you're a health nut, don't shy away from the shelves displaying processed food!
