Recently, a lack of time has become a challenge that most people have to face: classes, work, etc. That is why taking care of oneself and eating well has become increasingly difficult, since there is hardly any time to cook. However there is something many people don’t know, and that is that you can eat in a healthy and quick way as long as you choose correctly. Nutritionist Adrián Muria has shared on TikTok his recommendations on which Mercadona foods you should buy if you want to look after yourself.
When looking for a quick source of carbohydrates, the first thing that comes to mind for many is pre-cooked rice that doesn’t require cooking. But this food actually has two very popular options: cups and microwave bags. His verdict is clear when it comes to prioritizing health: «Rice, for example, isn’t all the same: the bagged version is better than the cups». This is mainly due to the ingredients of each, since the bag version contains only rice and water, while the cup version contains additives that, although they make it “richer,” also render it more harmful.
Vegetables and Carbohydrates
Among the quick carbohydrate options, potatoes and sweet potatoes are very good choices. Adrián Muria analyzes the bagged potatoes and sweet potatoes for microwaving versus boiled potatoes in a glass jar, and concludes that it doesn’t matter which you choose: «All three are just tubers, so you pick.» The same goes for preserved vegetables (glass jars or microwave bags). They do not contain additives, so he recommends choosing according to personal taste, although he confesses: «I actually prefer the microwavable ones.»
Legumes and Proteins
Adding protein to dishes remains important, and for those who don’t want to cook there are several options. Regarding canned legumes, the expert notes that they are also high in protein, with lentils and chickpeas among his favorites in Mercadona’s range. Another very practical option is eggs that “already come cooked, you don’t have to cook them, they don’t contain additives.” On the other hand, for those who prefer to eat some meat, Adrián suggests natural shredded chicken or carpaccio, though he warns that the latter “contains a few additives” and that is why “it’s not for everyday consumption,” but rather for hurried moments “when we don’t have time.” Finally, in the fish section he recommends tuna, insisting that it should be in its natural form and dispelling the fear of too much mercury, since “it’s not something you should eat 10 cans of daily either.”
