Packaged rice mixes make delicious side dishes accompanying vegetables and meats. They are typically very palatable and easy to prepare; some with cook times under ten minutes. However, like any processed food product, packaged rice mixes contain preservatives, high amounts of sodium, and other unhealthy ingredients. Learn compare the nutritional value of packaged rice mixes, sorting the good from the bad.
Instructions
1. Research the contents of packaged rice mixes. If you don't know what a particular ingredient is, look it up. Many a times, there are ingredients that sound a little tricky, but really aren't harmful. Arm yourself with knowledge before you buy any product at the grocery store.
2. Sort through packaged rice mixes. Automatically choose whole grain products over normal rice mixes. Always look at the list of ingredients and opt for ones that say "whole wheat" or "multigrain" in their list of ingredients.
3. Look for grams of fiber. Many packaged rice mixes have added fiber and vitamins, a great number being 3 to 6 grams of fiber. Fiber is not only great for your digestive tract, it helps lower cholesterol.
4. Check for amounts of sodium. Many packaged rice mixes contain little to no sodium, especially when they're branded as "low sodium." Salt can leave you feeling bloated and thirsty if consumed in excess.
5. Look for packaged rice mixes without monosodium glutamate, or MSG. This is a preservative that can have negative health effects, upsetting your stomach or digestive tract. Inconclusive research has been conducted regarding this preservative, but as you've seen on many Chinese restaurant menus, "No MSG" is a popular mantra many live by.
6. Opt for a packaged rice mix with added veggies or vitamins. Lipton makes some great rice sides with whole servings of vegetables and fiber. You can even add in your own chopped vegetables to add to the nutrients you'd otherwise forgo.
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