Tips on Choosing Frozen Meals

When you're short on time and energy but still trying to watch your weight, frozen meals seem like a great idea since they're portion controlled and easy to prepare - just heat and eat. But not all frozen meals are created equal. Here's a link to an article with tips on what to look for when choosing frozen meals.

To summarize:

• Look at the list of ingredients to make sure it first lists real food such as chicken, fish, pasta, or vegetables rather than a stabilizer or filler that requires a chemistry degree to decipher.
• Sodium should be no more than 30% of your daily intake or 700 milligrams or less.
• Stick to entrees with no more than 15 grams of fat and 5 grams of saturated fat.
• Aim for at least 10-15 grams of protein.
• Look for meals with at least 3 grams of fiber.

I usually recommend to my clients to add extra steamed veggies and maybe a side of fruit to help round out the meal, provide more vitamins and minerals, and help fill them up for fewer calories.

Some of my favorite brands of frozen meals are Amy's, Kashi, and Seeds of Change, but just make sure to read the labels as not all fall within these guidelines.

Need more help figuring out nutrition guidelines for your unique life? Contact me for an appointment today.