5 Tips for Picking Healthy Frozen Meals

While it’s best to choose fresh, whole foods when you can, sometimes we just don’t have the time or resources available to make that happen. Frozen meals can be a handy option when you are short on time.

1. When picking frozen meals, look for the following:

• 500 calories or less per serving
  
• 3 g of saturated fat or less per serving
  
• 600 mg of sodium or less per serving
  
• 3 to 5 g of fiber per serving

2. Select well-balanced meals.

Look for frozen meals that include a protein source, vegetables, and a hearty carb source.

Examples:

• A) Broccoli, baked apples, sweet potato, and fish
• B) Tomatoes, green beans, mushrooms, pasta, and chicken in cream sauce

3. Choose frozen meals that have a short list of ingredients and minimal preservatives.

Some artificial ingredients you want to try and avoid that are found in many frozen meals include:

• Textured soy protein concentrate
• Carrageenan
• Maltodextrin
• Disodium inosinate
• Modified cornstarch
• Disodium guanylate

4. Make your own frozen meals ahead of time.

A great option for health and your budget would be making your own meals ahead of time and freezing them for later.

• Make an extra serving of your favorite soup to freeze in single-serve containers.
  
• Leftovers, like casseroles, can make great freezer meals when portioned into single-serve containers.

5. Pair your frozen meal with a fresh side dish.

Adding a fresh side dish can be a delicious way to get in more nutrients and add extra flavor. Some examples could be:

• Small side salad
• Fruit cup or one serving of fresh fruit
  
• Whole wheat roll
  
• Carrots, celery, and/or pretzel sticks with hummus dip
  
• Cup of Greek Yogurt

Choosing healthy frozen meals doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With these five tips in mind, you’ll be better prepared to find nutritious options that fit your lifestyle and taste preferences. So next time you're scanning the freezer aisle, you can feel confident about making choices that support your health goals!

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