There are some days where cooking a meal from scratch is just not an option, which is where frozen meals come in handy. These ready-to-make meals contain the essential components needed to create a healthy meal without requiring any prep time, making cooking dinner a breeze for those who don’t have the time.
But, not every frozen meal is made with the proper ingredients for weight loss. In fact, experts say that most frozen meals and T.V. dinners contain tons of unwanted sodium and fats, making them poor choices for those trying to lose weight.
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"For frozen foods, the biggest concern can be sodium, so you want a product that's on the lower end of the choices available. Also, check things like trans and saturated fat and sugar (these should be low) and protein and fiber (these are good!)," Jenn LaVardera, MS, RD, tells INSIDER.
Thankfully, there's a hack for ensuring that the frozen meal you've chosen is nutritious and not filled with excess sodium and fats. Rebecca Coady, MS, and owner of the blog, Nibbles & Bits, says that you have to carefully examine the ingredients list to see what's inside.
She advises those who are looking for healthier frozen meal options to choose varieties that have the vegetable or fruit is the only ingredient listed on the package. "By doing so, you will avoid large amounts of hidden sodium found in added seasonings or sauces," she explains.
Good to know! Coady insists that dieters shouldn't be discouraged from buying frozen produce to carry out their weight loss efforts. She also recommends adding frozen and/or fresh fruits and vegetables to your frozen meals to add more nutrients and fiber.
"Vegetables can be quickly added into pasta or rice to make a more flavorful meal. With the right seasoning, they can taste delicious without requiring a lot of time or effort," Coady continues.
