That’s not a bad thing, say experts.
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Many of us are currently on lockdown at home these days to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
After all, most experts emphasize the importance ofeating whole, real foodsandavoiding ultra-processed optionsfor optimal health and nutrition.
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But thats not a bad thing for nutrition.
In fact, frozen vegetables and fruits contain just as manyif not morenutrients as their fresh counterparts.
Thats because produce is flash-frozen just after its harvested, locking in nutritional value at peak ripeness.
All the while, a number of nutrients can decline.
Vitamin A deficiency is rare as long as your diet is moderately varied, she says.
Need more proof that frozen food is A-okay?
Check the label; many cans these days are BPA-free.
And some of that is justified.
Shelf-stable foodsfrozen, canned, and packagedoften contain more sodium as a preservative.
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These foods may also contain added sugar, salt, and other fillers.
Remember, the term processed food applies toany food that has changed from its original state.
Nor should we demonize foods that make it easier for people to eat, full stop.
Especially when they are often, as illustrated above, just as healthy as eating fresh.
If you ultimately go overboard on sodium one day, venture to cut back the next.
This is not the time to get super nitpicky with yourself, says Cording.
Fresh food is awesome.
But its not the end-all, be-all of nutrition.
To that end, dont worry about prioritizing any one fresh food over others either.
During temporary periods when food is scarce, dont worry about not getting enough fresh produce.
Theres no long-term damage [to your health], she says.
If some or most of that comes from a can or a package, thats okay.
Above all, be kind to yourself.
And thesehealthy snacks are the perfect energizing bitesfor the health-care workers in your life.
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