Do you eat ready meals regularly?

[RedRosette2023]

Following from another thread - I heard a statistic the other day that said up to 90% of people regularly consume ready meals. As in, in a plastic container and from the microwave or oven.

I sense that MN is quite middle class so likely not representative of the whole of the country. But I was surprised by that statistic.

I genuinely can’t remember the last time I ate a ready meal. I occasionally gave eldest DC an Ella tray when they were weaning, a meal I could keep in my changing bag and have handy in case we were out over tea time. My youngest refused any pouches etc so he has never had one. He’s always just eaten what we’ve eaten and taught me baby food is totally unnecessary, albeit convenient at times.

I am coeliac so it’s possible my habits have been formed due to necessity - I would struggle to pick up a ready meal I can eat with ease. M&S do some and I think GF ones slightly more available now but I just don’t buy them.

I’m also not a SAHM Mum, I work a pressured job four days, my DH works away mostly during the week, I use hello fresh etc 3-4 days. But I always find time for a meal. My ready meal is something batch cooked out the freezer.

No judgment - just genuinely interested.

Very very rarely and usually part of a dine at home deal. But hey, I rarely eat shop-bought cake or biscuits anymore as I like knowing what's gone in them.

It does all sound a bit boring though (both the planning and some of the quick food).

You’ve misunderstood what ultra processed is.

Sorry!

I don't own a microwave so don't eat those, my favourite quick meal is pasta with frozen vegetables. Frozen veggies are my quick go to as I like a massive portion of veg. I have a physical job and often grab a pasty on the go though. My mum raised me on microwave meals, funnily enough I was a fat kid!
Have to be careful of bowl cancer in my family so I do worry about the UPF and try to avoid it.

Haven't read all the replies so I'm assuming that I have missed the polls you put on here to determine exactly how many people do buy "nasty cheap packs"

Not often but will have a ready made pizza or lasagne. I love lasagne but I find it time consuming to make from scratch so will get a M and S one occasionally. Our from scratch meals are very easy, for example throw a chicken in oven, fish, casseroles so could do with being more imaginative though. 🤔

WomblingTree86 During the week it is definitely function over everything else but that doesn't always mean it's boring. At the weekends I'll cook something properly.

I have bad habits of getting microwave meals when I have had a busy week working, Also noodles. I can cook it’s just I can’t be bothered but I know how bad these things are.

Haha, I can understand your perspective, but let me assure you that my children may surprise you! Many young adults, including my kids, not only appreciate organic food but also take great pride in cooking their own meals. They have developed a knack for making healthier choices and have chosen to refrain from consuming sugar. It's truly admirable to witness their culinary skills and commitment to a balanced lifestyle. So, while ready meals, pizza, and pot noodles may be common for some university students, my children are embracing a different approach by cooking their own nutritious meals and consciously avoiding unhealthy precooked meals. They are setting a great example for their peers and demonstrating that healthy habits can be both enjoyable and rewarding

Highly processed meals, like Charlie Bigham's, may not be as healthy as they seem. These foods often contain high levels of unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, and additives, which can trigger inflammatory responses in the body. This can lead to chronic inflammation, a significant contributor to various health problems and an increased risk of mortality. Regular consumption of highly processed meals can contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, and conditions like obesity and heart disease. Opting for fresh, whole foods instead provides better nutrient diversity and promotes overall well-being, reducing the risk of chronic inflammation and associated health issues.

I eat a lot of ready meals, both microwave and oven like Charlie Bigham, nearly every day as I hate preparing food, I am nearly 70 and still here

When we were living in the UK we ordered a lot of meals from Cook. Had loads in the freezer. These are the ingredients of their Sticky Soy & Ginger Beef. I don’t have any concerns eating this and it tastes lovely.

AT COOK WE USE THE SAME INGREDIENTS YOU WOULD USE AT HOME.We never put additives or preservatives into our food. We do occasionally use kitchen cupboard ingredients that include some additives in their sub-ingredients (for example Worcestershire Sauce used in our Spaghetti Bolognese, which contains Tamarind Extract).
Water, Beef (21%), Rice Noodles (17%) (Rice Flour, Water, Salt), Tenderstem Broccoli (7%), Carrots, Ginger Puree (4%), Soft Light Brown Sugar (3%), Spring Onions, Tamari SoySauce (Soya Beans, Water, Sea Salt, Alcohol, Koji Spores (Aspergillus Oryzae)), Apple Juice, Garlic, Cornflour, Sesame Seeds (2%), Tomato Puree, White Wine Vinegar (Antioxidant: Sulphur Dioxide), Rapeseed Oil, SesameOil (Soybean Oil), Roast Chicken Stock (Roast Chicken. Maltodextrin, Salt, Natural Flavouring, Chicken Fat, Sugar, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Dried Onion Powder), Red Chillis, Chilli Flakes.

What’s wrong with that? Is it meant to be exciting?

You’re talking rubbish with regards to that recipe though. Be specific, you’re talking quite generically when it doesn’t even apply.
What are the additives which are triggering an inflammatory response in the body?
What are the refined carbs in this recipe that you wouldn’t be using at home in a similar curry?
What in the meal isn’t fresh? This isn’t a long life item, it’s an assembled meal with the raw ingredients which you cook soon after.
You could do the same thing at home.

Weird to get hung up on this not being fresh yet so many people go on and on about batch cooking which is then not fresh by definition.

@YourApplePie didn't you know, mince is the devil.

🙄

@User14528564 oh be quiet, everything in moderation. No one said they eat their defrosted lasagne, chilli or spag bols every night.

I understand that ready meals provide convenience, especially if you dislike food preparation, and it's great to hear that you're still going strong at nearly 70. However, it's important to consider the impact on your overall well-being. Whole foods, which our bodies are designed to consume, can lead to a better quality of life by providing essential nutrients, fiber, and a wide range of beneficial compounds that support a healthy body and mind, Prioritising fresh, unprocessed ingredients in your diet can make a significant difference.

You mean the 3 or 4 year old you say is and will remain an only child on another thread? They’re setting an example for young adults are they? Blimey!

apologise if my previous response seemed too generic. I appreciate your request for more specific information. In regards to the additives that can trigger an inflammatory response, processed meals often contain ingredients such as artificial preservatives, flavor enhancers, and high levels of sodium. These additives have been associated with inflammation.

There may be differing views on how to define processed meals, but it is crucial to recognise that the process of pre-assembling meals in a factory does fit within the realm of processed food. These meals undergo intentional alterations and adjustments during manufacturing to improve convenience and prolong their shelf life.

While I don't have specific information about the Charlie Bigham recipe you mentioned, it's important to note that processed meals, in general, can contain refined carbohydrates such as white flour, sugar, or processed grains. These refined carbs have a higher glycemic index and can potentially impact blood sugar levels and contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess.

Excessive consumption of glucose from refined carbohydrates and added sugars has been associated with negative health outcomes, including an elevated risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. These conditions are often accompanied by low-grade inflammation in the body.

I take pride in maintaining a diet free from refined carbs. One of my regular meals is kaeng khiao wan, a delicious Thai dish which I prepare myself, including making the paste from scratch. My focus is not solely on freshness but rather on using whole and unprocessed ingredients.

By avoiding refined carbs, I prioritise nutrient-dense options that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Making my own curry paste allows me to control the quality and ensure that no additives or preservatives are included.

The emphasis of my argument lies in the use of whole and unprocessed ingredients rather than solely on freshness. This approach ensures that I benefit from the full range of nutrients present in natural foods. By incorporating whole ingredients, I support my overall well-being and strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

I believe that nourishing our bodies with whole and unprocessed foods is key to achieving optimal health and vitality. By making conscious choices in our diets, we can positively impact our bodies, minds, and long-term well-being.

Despite my age, my metabolic age is equivalent to an 18-year-old, indicating that my lifestyle choices have had a positive impact on my overall health.

Yes, my children cook their own meals, is it really that surprising.

Nothing wrong with the ingredients in a Charlie Bingham curry

Water, chicken (18%), coconut, rice (15%), onions, bamboo shoots, edamame beans (soya), rapeseed oil, lemon juice, ginger purée, demerara sugar, fish sauce (anchovy extract (fish), salt, sugar), lime leaves, red chillies, lime juice, garlic purée, salt, lemongrass, galangal, cornflour, basil, coriander, garlic, shallot, coriander seeds, kaffir lime peel, cumin seeds, paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground white pepper, ground fennel seeds, cardamom, shrimp (crustaceans), fish*, ground star anise, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, turmeric, mace, sunflower oil, colour paprika extract.

Considering on a thread that’s not that old you said your ONLY child was 3, the fact that said child somehow multiplied and aged several years in a matter of months is surprising! Unless you make a toddler prepare their own food? I’m all for independence, but I feel letting my 2 year old use the stove is irresponsible.

You’re full of it but I love the gall of your smugness! This is the best thread I’ve read in ages!

Yes, I read on another thread that @GwendolenAbott was 30 and had a 3 year old so I will take all the posts above from this poster as being a load of old twaddle

Reads like ChatGp

That's me too. Love a ready meal, especially Charlie Bigham.