Post written by Mallory Bratton, MS, RD, LD
Frozen meals, good or bad?
There are a wide variety of frozen meals on the market. There are plenty of bad ones and a handful of options I actually recommend.
Many Americans like frozen meals because they are quick and convenient, but choosing the right nutrition within the frozen meal is the only way to make these quick and convenient meals worth it.
As a general rule, I recommend that any frozen meal you eat have less than 800 mg sodium and around 300 calories per entrée. There are a few brands that tend to fall within this calorie and sodium goal range including Lean Cuisine, Weight Watchers, Smart Ones and Healthy Choice. My personal favorite is Lean Cuisine for the wide variety of flavors and great taste!
One complaint that I often hear is that the meals are not filling. One suggestion is to add some additional frozen vegetables on top of the frozen entrée before microwaving.
This can increase the volume of the meal without adding many calories, while at the same time maximizing the number of vegetable servings you’re getting. Another idea is to pair the meal with a low-fat yogurt or piece of fruit.
Some people tend to think that frozen meals are too expensive, but the good news is they are also often on sale. I recommend looking for the ads and stocking up when they’re available. Store brands are also an option as long as the calories and sodium fall within the same parameters I mentioned above.
At the end of the day, frozen entrees are cheaper than eating out for lunch and also are generally better for our waistlines!
What do you think? Do you eat frozen meals? Which ones do you enjoy the most?
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