9 Utterly Ridiculous "Convenient Foods", and 9 Ideas that Actually Make Sense

I was scanning my Pinterest (sgoldman328 if people want to follow me), and I noticed a pin entitled, "Too Busy To Eat Healthy? 9 Foods To Keep In Your Kitchen" with a lovely picture of an avocado.

I'm certainly a busy person, and avocados are certainly healthy. I was intrigued.

The pin takes me to a slide show at MindBodyGreen, compiled by Rebecca Leffler. Rebecca, an American journalist based in Paris, recommends the following 9 foods:

1. Avocados
2. Quinoa
3. Hemp Seeds
4. Chia Seeds
5. Spirulina 
6. Nori
7. Red Lentils
8. Pâté
9. "Liquid Love" 

Now, no offense to dear Rebecca.... but in what world are pâté, nori and spirulina (a blue-green powdered algae) considered foods convenient for a busy lifestyle?!? Perhaps they are the Parisian version of convenient.  

I do agree with some of Rebecca's picks -- So, I have compiled a list which makes much more sense.

I present:

9 Foods and tips that are ACTUALLY convenient for busy lifestyles:

1. Avocados

Avocados are super healthy, versatile  and contain healthy fats.  Eat half on a salad, and save the rest for the next day. Avocados are also really yummy when mixed with cucumbers, feta OR goat cheese, and a bit of lemon juice. They also keep for a few days. I toss one whole avocado in my lunch box for work with some foil to wrap the remaining half in, and I'm set for the next two days if I pack fresh salad greens.

2. Big size tubs of Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a MUST, and if you're like me, you have one a day, so those little dinky cups aren't worth it. Buy the big size to save money and measure out a portion the night before.

3. Family Size Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

These packs usually come with 5-7 breasts. Cook on Sunday and you're set for lunches and easy dinners for the week. Chicken Breasts are incredibly lean and packed with protein.

4. Quinoa

 Rebecca was right, Quinoa is SUPER healthy. It's gluten-free, packed with protein, and cooks fairly quickly. Make a big batch on Sundays to keep for the week as a quick go-to for meals in a hurry.

5. Eggs (Hard Boiled)

For a few cents extra, I buy my eggs already hard boiled to throw on salads during the week. I've actually gotten into the habit of putting one hard boiled egg, and two extra hard boiled whites on a salad for a weekday lunch. Just be careful of your consumption of yolks if you have high cholesterol.

6. Raw Almonds

Like Avocados, raw almonds are a good source of healthy fats, and they're high in protein, too. Store a bag in your desk drawer for a quick afternoon boost. An ounce of raw almonds (That's 28 nuts) has 160 calories, 6 g carbs, 14 g fat, and 6 g protein.

7. String Cheese

What can I say, they're portable, a quick snack, and each packs a protein punch of 6 g! Just make sure you go for the low moisture part skim variety.

8. Instant Oatmeal 

I typically keep a box of instant oatmeal in my office desk for a quick pick me up, or if I was running too late to pack a breakfast. Stick with the original flavor to avoid added sugar and you'll get 100 calories, 22g carbs, fiber and protein.

9. Apples/Pears

Frankly, I was surprised that these didn't make it on Rebecca's list. Apples and Pears are insanely portable -- they're completely healthy and a perfect grab and go.