When you just need something to grab and go, frozen meals can do the trick – as long as you know how to shop smartly. Find out what to look for when choosing a frozen meal.
Healthy frozen meals can be a good option when you’re trying to lose weight and too busy to shop and cook. The biggest advantage for frozen meals is portion control. If you work from home, having a easy to grab and go healthy meal can make things a lot easier on a busy schedule. You also have the advantage of not having to figure out how many calories you are going to get in a home-cooked meal or at a restaurant, you just flip the package over and you get everything you need to know. Frozen meals have come a long way. Many now are designed to be healthy not just convenient. But be careful, many may say “healthy” on the box but what you are getting may not help with weight loss.
Here are a few top choices from the freezer case to get you started.
Healthy Choice Sun-dried Tomato and Chicken Alfredo With Broccoli
Calories: 270 calories
Fat: 2.5 g
Sodium: 260 mg
Protein: 23 g
Sugar: 4 g
This chicken dish has protein, whole-grain pasta, and veggies, plus just the right number of calories for a healthy frozen meal when you’re on a diet. Even if your main goal is weight loss, don’t try to find the meal with the absolute lowest number of calories. Even someone on a reduced-calorie diet should have at least 300 calories for a meal. A smaller meal can often leave you unsatisfied and more likely to overeat later.
Lean Cuisine Butternut Squash Ravioli
Calories: 260
Fat: 7 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Protein: 9 g
Sugar: 11 g
This dish is bursting with vegetables, including butternut squash, which is full of disease-fighting carotenoids. For a vegetarian pasta dish, it has a decent amount of protein, but to add a bit more, sprinkle on a tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese.
Lean Cuisine Spa Collection Hunan Stir Fry With Beef
Calories: 280
Fat: 8 g
Sodium: 460 mg
Protein: 16 g
Sugar: 12 g
The strength and staying power of this meal comes from both its protein and fiber. Aim for 3 to 6 grams of fiber per meal, and thanks to whole-wheat vermicelli, this one fits the bill with 5 grams. And while you’re reading the nutrition panel, avoid any choices that contain partially hydrogenated oils, a source of unhealthy trans fat.
Amy’s Indian Vegetable Korma
Calories: 310
Fat: 12 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Protein: 9 g
Sugar: 7 g
“Amy’s has very good vegetarian options, and Amy’s meals are also all organic. This option has 7 grams of fiber, 9 grams of protein, and no cholesterol, though it is at the high end for salt. If you’re looking for Kosher, dairy-free, nut-free, and cholesterol-free meals, Amy’s is also a good place to look.
Organic Bistro Wild Salmon
Calories: 380
Fat: 13 g
Sodium: 240 mg
Protein: 20 g
Sugar: 11 g
Organic Bistro is another healthy frozen meal brand with all organic offerings. Plus, this weight-loss option gives you 20 grams of healthy protein and your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids.
Kashi Lemongrass Coconut Chicken
Calories: 300
Fat: 8 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Protein: 18 g
Sugar: 6 g
Kashi is a healthy frozen meal brand that usually offers meals with a good amount of fiber and protein. This concoction will appeal to lovers of Thai food in particular. Frozen meals should appeal to your taste buds, but they can also make sense for weight loss as long as you choose wisely. To do that, just flip your meal and check the label.
