In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, convenience has transformed from being an integral part of our lives to becoming almost a necessity. Juggling work deadlines, school drop offs and pick-ups, appointments and so much more, convenience has just become the norm. Whether it be convenience in the way we purchase food or how we have our meetings, the demand of on-the-go healthy food options has increased. By maintaining a balance between convenience and balanced nutrition we can nourish our bodies while sustaining our energy levels during our demanding schedules.
BENEFITS OF CONVENIENCE
Convenience makes navigating our busy, modern lifestyles more efficient. Not only does it save time, but it also reduces stress, allows for flexibility, makes us more productive and gives us more time to spend with our families and loved ones.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONVENIENCE FOOD
Even though a food is convenient it still needs to be balanced and nutritionally beneficial. A nutritionally balanced diet is one that contains all the necessary macronutrients (Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats), micronutrients (Vitamins and Minerals), fibre as well as fluid, in the correct amounts specific to a person's age, gender and any health conditions and food preferences. What you eat directly affects your body, in that substances you take into your body are broken down and reassembled into your brain cells, bones, muscles and all your tissues and organs.
Here Are Some Tips for Choosing Nutritionally Balanced Convenience Foods:
Make sure that each convenience food contains the food groups, including carbohydrates, proteins, fruits and vegetables as each of these have a specific function in your body.
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CARBOHYDRATES- Make starchy foods part of most meals and choose unrefined low GI starches for sustained energy and the added benefit of healthy dietary fibre.
- PROTEINS- protein plays an essential role in muscle building. Ensure that your convenience food contains some form of protein, whether it be a source of protein (5g of protein per 100g) or high in protein (10g per 100g).
- FATS- Use fats sparingly. Intake of saturated fats and trans fats should be limited. Ensure that you limit convenience foods that are high in total fat, saturated sat and trans fat.
- SUGAR- Consume sugar sparingly and avoid sugary snacks between meals as they can cause tooth decay, spike blood sugar levels and lead to unwanted weight gain. Choose foods and drinks that are lower in sugar.
- PORTIONS- make sure you read and consume the recommended portion size of the convenience food.
- WATER- Make sure that you continue to consume safe, clean water throughout the day.
THE ALL-IN-ONE CONVENIENCE SOLUTION: FUTURELIFE® ENERGIZE DRINKING MEAL
FUTURELIFE® ENERGIZE DRINKING MEAL consists of both a nutrient dense food powder (60g) and purified water (200ml). The nutrients provided in a serving of FUTURELIFE® Energize Drinking Meal is equal to the following:
- The protein provided is equal to the protein in one whole egg.
- The carbohydrates provided equal to the carbohydrates in two slices of bread or 1 cup of maize meal porridge.
- The fat is equal to a teaspoon of margarine.
- The vitamins and minerals meet 30-60% of the daily recommended intake for individuals 4 years and older.
FUTURELIFE® Energize Drinking Meal is whole grain maize and soy based. The maize has been cooked using a patented method that ensures that the fibre, vitamins and minerals are not removed from the maize flour. Soy contributes as a source of plant-based protein. With 7.9g of protein per serving, FUTURELIFE® Energize Drinking Meal meets 14% of the recommended daily intake of protein for individuals 4 years and older.Not only is FUTURELIFE® Energize Drinking Meal a nutritionally complete meal that contains whole grain carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats and vitamins and minerals but it also offers an affordable on-the-go solution perfect for fuelling your fast paced lifestyle.
In addition to our vanilla flavour, we’ve introduced a NEW banana flavour, with the same great benefits and convenience! FUTURELIFE® Energize Drinking Meal Banana flavour is a convenient and delicious variety that can be added into your daily diet to fuel your busy lifestyle.
Choosing the correct convenience foods is important because they empower us during our most demanding moments providing us with an opportunity to sustain our energy and fuel of bodies with nutritious foods. Don’t forget to grab a FUTURELIFE® Energize Drinking Meal on your way out on that extra busy day.
BY: Bianca Jonischkeit / DATE: March 2024
DATE OF NEXT REVIEW: March 2026
