Recently published were nutrition trends for 2010. The first one:

Trend #1 – Fresh Foods Made Extravagant – We expect that consumers will be choosing more fresh fruits and vegetables, packaged salad mixes, and pre-cut produce , like apple slices and chopped onions to save time, money, and unwanted calories. Even though pre-packaged produce is often a more expensive option to fresh produce, many people will continue to valuing their time by choosing to spend a few more cents in order to have more time spent on other activities, like family time.

I have to agree that this is a time saving and convenient solution. My concern here when buying packaged food is freshness and nutrition value. If I am going to eat vegetables or fruit I want them to taste good but, most importantly, be nutrient dense. So I have to say that for things that you eat on a daily basis – like apples, carrots and salads – find a way to chop them up quickly on your own. How about an apple slicer or a better knife?
You can eat carrots whole or buy the small ones in a bag.
I am always skeptical of the bagged lettuces and try to stay away if I can. I like the organic variety of spring mixes mixed with spinach that come in a plastic container. They usually seem fresh and taste great if eaten before the expiration date. You can always add iceberg lettuce to the mix for a crunchier, more family friendly salad. It all takes a few seconds.

I always say…if I am going to take the time to eat my veggies…they better be giving me some nutrition!