10 Best Frozen Meals for Weight Loss
Healthy frozen meals can be more convenient than cooking from scratch, adn they can even help you lose weight – if you know which ones to buy. “for many people, frozen meals can absolutely offer a healthy option for any meal throughout teh day,” says Kristen Smith, RDN , the Atlanta-based creator of 360 Family Nutrition. While you might think of frozen food as chicken fingers or pot pies,frozen meals can help you stick to healthier fare and avoid overfilling your plate. “What I love most is that frozen meals contain built-in portion control – that is important for many people,” says Amy Shapiro,RDN ,founder of Real Nutrition in New York City.There are other perks too, if you make healthy choices. “They’re often easier and healthier than ordering in, because takeaway can have more fat and sodium than you might have planned on,” Shapiro says, adding that frozen meals can be loaded with important vegetables that provide valuable vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Plus,they don’t require you to have to do any intricate nutrition tabulations. “Frozen meals provide an option that takes the guesswork out of calculating calories and other macronutrients, and lower-calorie frozen meals provide a convenient, calorie-controlled option that may aid with weight loss,” adds Smith. Here are top choices from the freezer case.
Kashi sweet Potato Quinoa Bowl
Calling all quinoa fans! This bowl from Kashi features a bed of quinoa and brown rice with roasted sweet potatoes , black beans, and kale piled on top. if you aren’t a fan of quinoa yet, know this: While quinoa is technically a seed, it’s classified as a whole grain, and it is indeed a good source of plant protein and fiber . Fiber, which adds bulk to your diet and promotes fullness, is jam-packed into this meal, with 12 grams (g), making it an excellent source of the nutrient. “Look for meals with at least 5 g of fiber to help keep you full,” advises Carol Aguirre, RDN , owner of Nutrition Connections in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A heads-up: This meal contains 270 calories,and Aguirre recommends that most people aim for roughly 350 to 600 calories per meal. Pair this option with a plant-based side dish to up your calories and protein , so that you’re not hungry an hour later.
calories: 270 Fat : 6 g Sodium: 280 milligrams (mg) Carbohydrates : 48 g Protein: 9 g total sugar: 11 g (4 g from added sugar) Fiber: 12 g
performance Kitchen Mediterranean-Style Salmon Pasta
You get to reap all the health benefits of salmon with this frozen meal, courtesy of Performance kitchen. Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids , which offer a number of health perks, from making your blood less likely to form clots to helping to decrease your triglyceride levels (a fat in your blood). Salmon also provides protein – and this meal has a decent amount of it, with 15 g, making it an excellent source. And the amount of protein in your meal is important. “Ideally a meal should have 15 grams of protein per serving,” says Aguirre. Eating protein from healthy sources like salmon can decrease your odds of developing diseases and an early death.
Calories: 400 Fat: 26 g Sodium: 590 mg
Lean Cuisine Korean-Style Rice and Vegetables Bowl: Nutritional Information
Table of Contents
The Lean Cuisine Korean-Style Rice and Vegetables Bowl contains 270 calories, 10 grams of fat, 590 milligrams of sodium, 36 grams of carbohydrates, 9 grams of protein, 8 grams of total sugar (with no added sugar), and 7 grams of fiber per serving.
Macronutrient Breakdown
This Lean Cuisine bowl provides a balance of macronutrients. It offers 9 grams of protein, contributing to satiety and muscle maintenance. The 36 grams of carbohydrates provide energy, while the 10 grams of fat contribute to flavor and nutrient absorption.
Fiber Content and Vegetable Variety
The bowl is a good source of dietary fiber,containing 7 grams per serving. This fiber comes from a variety of vegetables, including one full cup of shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, carrots, and kale. Fiber aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Sodium Levels
The Korean-Style Rice and Vegetables Bowl contains 590 milligrams of sodium per serving. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake should consider this amount when incorporating this meal into their diet.
Sugar Content
This Lean Cuisine bowl contains 8 grams of total sugar, and importantly, contains no added sugars. The sugar present is naturally occurring from the vegetables included in the meal.