Let’s be honest: most of us are busy, which makes whipping up delicious, nutritious home-cooked meals every day a little difficult (although we do recommend these one-pot meals for weight loss). For this reason, you may frequently find yourself veering towards the frozen section of the grocery store, where you’ll find convenient, ready-made meals you can pop right in the microwave or over. Unfortunately, though, while there may be plenty of frozen foods (like frozen fruits and vegetables without any additives) that are just fine for you, the majority of them are highly processed and terrible for your overall health—especially when it comes to your gut health.
To learn more about the affects of frozen foods on your gut health and discover some of the worst options out there, we checked in with nutritionist Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet. She told us that while there are plenty of equally bad freezer foods you should avoid altogether, Totino’s pizza products and Marie Callender’s pot pies are two you should definitely steer clear of. Learn more below!
1. Totino's Pizza and Pizza Rolls
There's no denying that Totino's pizza (and even those deviously delicious pizza rolls) are a tasty, convenient meal. In fact, these frozen foods are a staple in many freezers across America. However, Richards tells us they can do some serious damage to your health, including your gut health, if you eat them too often.
"They're loaded with sodium, saturated fat, and preservatives," Richards says. All of these ingredients can cause inflammation and be detrimental to your gut health over time. Additionally, the lack of nutrients also poses a health risk. "Their nutrient content is nearly void and their processed nature makes them a highly inflammatory food," she goes on. And when inflammation becomes chronic, it can cause a range of digestive issues, including a leaky gut. "You may save money on food but you'll make up for it and more in healthcare costs if this is a staple in your freezer," Richards warns.
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2. Marie Callender's Pot Pie
Who can resist a tasty, flaky Marie Callender's pot pie you can easily heat up in the oven? Unfortunately, Richards says these popular meals are another no-go when it comes to gut health due to their extremely high sodium content. "When it comes to high-sodium frozen foods, this should be the first dish to come to mind," she says.
The health effects of this meal may come as a shock to some. After all, it contains a good amount of veggies and protein. Unfortunately, though, these pot pies are far from a balanced meal; the additives and calorie content negate any benefits. "One pie is over 500 calories, nutrient deprived, calories and over 700 mg of sodium," Richards points out, adding that "the saturated fat content alone makes you wonder if lean meat is actually being used." Say it ain't so! It's best to cook up your own, healthier version at home. While it will take longer, it will be better for your body.
The bottom line
All in all, it's safe to say that there are tons of frozen foods out there that should be avoided—not only for your gut health, but for your overall wellness. Most of these popular items, including Totino's products and Marie Callender's pot pies, are packed with processed ingredients that can really throw your body for a loop and lead to serious consequences over time. That's why it's always important to check the ingredients to stay on top of your health. When in doubt, choosing frozen fruits and veggies that are free of additives is always a good way to go. Or even better, try whipping up a home-cooked meal you have complete control of and freezing it for later!
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