Nutritionist warning over 50 ingredients in your meal pack

Our appetite for takeaways, takeaway salads and quick service restaurants means we’re consuming ingredients we can’t identify and don’t know the meaning of, a nutritionist has warned. Among the ingredients commonly found in our lunches that we are confused about are modified food starch, xanthan gum, potassium chloride, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, palm oil, carrageenan, polysorbates, sodium benzoate and dyes and artificial flavors.

More than a third of the 1,300 office workers surveyed by meal delivery company Frive said they didn’t think they could confidently explain what any of them were, and even more said they were unsure of the impact they it could have on their health. .

Nutritionist Sophie Trotman, who worked with Frive, said: “It’s clear we’re trying to be healthy, but often the places we buy our lunches don’t make it easy. Ingredient lists can be very long and full of things we don’t recognize – and sometimes they aren’t even shown at all.

“Often, prepackaged options are ultra-processed and full of preservatives to make them last longer on the shelf. Regular consumption of these additional ingredients can contribute to a whole host of health problems. Many popular lunch options are often high in carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, while lacking in protein, which is essential to making us feel full.

“It’s essential that meals are filling so you’re less likely to snack mindlessly later in the day. Protein is also essential for muscle repair and growth, immune system support, and more.”

Despite the craving for healthier options, office workers are still addicted to convenience. Some 64% say they grab lunch on the go weekly, with almost 1 in 4 (24%) admitting to opting for convenient but unhealthy options three or more times a week.

The most popular place for office workers to buy lunch on the go is the supermarket, however when it analyzed the number of ingredients in a leading supermarket’s most popular lunch sandwiches and wraps, Frive found they could contain up to 50 different ingredients – 22% of which were artificial, on average.

Frive founder and CEO George Taylor said: “With today’s demanding work roles and time constraints, we’ve all been guilty of grabbing the easy option for lunch, but the reality is that many of these can be used in movement. full of artificial preservatives, additives and flavor enhancers that the body is simply not designed to consume – and it compromises our health.”

Sophie added: “Busy people need to make sure they are fueling their bodies with the right types of food.”

Sophie’s top tips for helping busy people thrive:

1. Organization is a key part of any health journey. Making sure you have tasty, nutritionally balanced meals like Frive is a great way to stay on track.
2. Keep healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, yogurt and fresh fruit on hand. This can prevent you from reaching for less healthy options when you’re hungry and on the go.
3. Include a source of protein at every meal. Protein helps with satiety, muscle repair and maintaining steady energy levels. Good sources include lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, lentils and tofu.
4. Cut back on sugary snacks, fizzy drinks and heavily processed foods. These can lead to energy accidents and contribute to long-term health problems.
5. Take time to enjoy your food without distractions. Mindful eating helps you listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, which can prevent overeating and improve digestion.
6. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and aim to drink at least 8 cups of water a day. Staying hydrated is crucial to maintaining energy levels and overall health.
7. Stock up on frozen fruits and vegetables. They are just as nutritious as fresh and can be quickly added to smoothies, soups or stir-fries.
8. Be sure to include sources of healthy fats in your diet, such as avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil. These fats are essential for brain health and can help you feel full and satisfied.
9. Include foods rich in omega-3s, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts. Omega-3 fatty acids support heart health and reduce inflammation.
10. Choose whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice and whole wheat pasta over refined grains. Whole grains provide more fiber, vitamins and minerals.