Surprise! Canned Foods Will Help You Eat Healthy in 2016

By Sondra Forsyth

According to the “Canned Vegetable Nutrients Study” released by Del Monte and conducted by Dr. Marjorie Freedman of San Jose State University in association with CFA, adults who eat canned produce consume more key nutrients than those who do not – eating 19% more fruit and 17% more vegetables.

And contrary to popular belief, canned fruits and vegetables carry similar nutrient profiles to their fresh-cooked and frozen counterparts – and are sometimes even more nutritious (source: Rickman et al. 2007).

This means that there is now a cheaper and easier way to get your recommended daily servings of fruits and veggies, which has been linked to lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers, and of course, weight loss.

To make sticking to resolution goals more attainable than ever before, Del Monte has released a series of “Resolution Hacks”:

1) BRING THE FARMER’S MARKET TO YOUR PANTRY

Traditionally, eating healthy has required a lot of planning and frequent trips to the grocery store. But the “Canned Vegetable Nutrients Study” indicates that these trips are no longer as necessary since canned veggies provide similar benefits to fresh. If you keep your pantry stocked, you’ll be less tempted to order a pizza when your meticulous planning falters.

2) SHIFT THE BALANCE

Giving up all your favorite foods typically isn’t a recipe for success. Instead, try pairing them with a side of vegetables and shift ratios on your plate so that the vegetables take up more room than the more indulgent food. Simple changes like this can get you 7% more dietary fiber and 5% more potassium, both of which are considered concerns for public health due to their severe under-consumption in the US.

3) TRICK YOURSELF

Believe it or not, there are clever ways to infuse your favorite comfort foods with more vegetables, making them higher in nutrients and lower in calories. For example, try this recipe for Sneaky Mac and Cheese

Here is a link to some more easy recipe ideas to get you started on the path towards a healthier 2016.

Fruits and vegetables typically go from farm to can in eight hours or less, locking in key nutrients and allowing Americans to enjoy the benefits of their favorite fresh foods, even when they’re not in season. And according to the study, consumers of canned produce did NOT experience increased intake of sodium or added sugar. With the helpful “cheat” provided by canned foods, perhaps 2016 will be the year we finally stick to our New Year’s resolutions.