Not all packaged foods are bad for you, but you do have to be careful when making choices on which packaged foods are best when you're trying to lose weight. So here's a list that will help you the next time you're in the supermarket.
Bread and wraps Bürgen Wholemeal & Seeds: Despite the relatively small slices, it’s packed full of protein and fibre to help keep you full for longer. Sonoma or Bowen Island Bakery sourdough
Mountain Bread
Muesli Homemade muesli made with rolled oats, seeds, chopped almonds and fresh berries is the absolute best start to the day without the additives of store bought and a lot cheaper! Recipe can be found here http://www.thelifestylist.com.au/single-post/2015/10/11/My-healthy-yummy-brekky-in-1-min-for-1
Yoghurt Chobani plain greek yoghurt reduced fat & Yopro are the best yoghurts on the market for protein and are lower in fat and sugar than the rest
Table spreads Flora Ultra Light Spread: This sunflower-based spread has 70% less fat than the original version. Nuttelex Lite: A great choice for those with allergies, this dairy-free spread is also gluten-free, soy-free and nut-free. It’s suitable for vegetarians and vegans, too. Bertolli Light spread: Made from olive oil and with less fat that the original version.
Freezer staples Heinz SteamFresh individual steamer bags: With two serves of veg in each individual bag, they are a great option for bulking out a frozen dinner to create a more balanced meal. Birds Eye Atlantic Salmon Natural fillets: Keep a couple of boxes on hand in your freezer for emergency dinners. McCain Season’s Choice Four Berry Mix: Keep a box in the freezer to make sure you get your two serves of fruit a day (and a hit of antioxidants, too). Add them to low-fat ice-cream for dessert or to breakfast smoothies.
Cheese Perfect Italiano Extra Light Ricotta: Spread this ricotta on toast with a few chopped strawberries and a drizzle of honey for a delicious start to the day. Southcape Tasmanian Fetta Reduced Fat: This milky feta retains its crumbly texture, but has 29% less fat than the regular variety. Bega So Extra Light 50% Less Fat Tasty cheese: This cheese carries the Heart Foundation Tick and is great for grills
Condiments Balsamic Vinegar of Modena: This is a delicious way to add more flavour to salads and roast vegies. Combine it with a squeeze of lemon juice to add even more flavour. Praise Creamy Mayonnaise 99% Fat Free: don’t go overboard on this one – it’s only if you really need to use it for a particular meal like tuna – 2 tsp only Praise 97% Fat Free Tartare Sauce: A great accompaniment for barbecued fish or prawns
Ice-cream/frozen yoghurt Peters Light & Creamy Classic Vanilla: Made with low-fat milk and 97% fat-free, there is a variety of flavours that are all low in calories – Remember only 1 scoop. Skinny Cow English Toffee Stick: Low in fat and with no added sugar, these are a great treat for kids, too. Bulla Fruit’n Yoghurt Mango: This is a sweet way to get your ice-cream fix and because it’s individually packaged you’re less likely to go overboard!
Savoury sauces Kantong Simply Stir Fry Sauce Lemongrass, Lime & Coriander: This sauce is great for vegie-packed stir-fries. It’s lower in sodium than most. Chicken Tonight Lite Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms: A lighter version of the original. Dolmio Chunky Pasta Sauce Tomato, Onion & Roast Garlic: Pour some of this chunky sauce over a vegie-packed wholemeal pasta or zoodles!
Dips Hommus and Tzatziki are the best choices
Chips Roasted chickpeas in curry powder, chilli or cinnamon are great alternatives - recipe found here http://www.thelifestylist.com.au/single-post/2016/12/19/My-Roasted-Crunchy-Chickpea-Nibbles and occasionally sweet potato chips baked in the oven with olive oil are a better choice than regular crisps
Savoury crackers Ryvita Multigrain Crispbread: A good alternative to bread for your sandwiches Arnott’s Vita-Weat 9 grains: Made from100% whole grains, They’re great for lunch in the office. Brown Rice cakes and Corn Thins are also great alternatives low in calories
Chocolate Lindt Excellence Dark 78-85% Cocoa: The ultimate chocolate-craving killer! Stick to just 2 squares a day Cadbury Freddo Frog (15g): These individually wrapped treats take the guesswork out of portion-sizing but dark chocolate is the better choice.
Don’t forget...
Fresh fruits and vegetables are useful for bulking out your meals and snacks, without adding too many extra calories. Remember ½ plate veggies for lunch and dinner with healthy fats (olive oil/1/4 avocado) and plant or animal protein (tofu, eggs, lean meat, fish, chicken, dairy, legumes) is a balanced meal
Miscellaneous
curry powder fat-free salad dressing herbs – fresh and dried mustard pepper spices tomato salsa (1 tablespoon) Vegemite vinegar (balsamic, red wine and white wine)
lemon juice lime juice
Hope this helps
Suzanne
Lifestylist Health & Wellness