Healthy Choice is a line of convenient meal products made by ConAgra Foods. The original meals are frozen options, but the brand has expanded to include shelf-stable pasta and similar dishes that can be microwaved. The meal line touts a wide variety including some that are all natural, some made by steaming and even some complete meal options for dinner. The nutritional value of each product varies per serving, but the line strives to provide balance.
Fiber
Healthy Choice is based on four specific nutritional factors including fiber. Fiber is an essential part of the human diet to aid in digestion and prevent constipation according to The National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus website. Even though fiber is a part of some foods that the body doesn't digest, it still adds bulk to food, which can result in feeling fuller after consumption. The manufacturer explains that fiber is found in the meals in the form of vegetables, legumes, whole grains and some fruits. Each meal contains several grams of fiber. For example, the Healthy Choice Bean and Ham soup contains 10 g of fiber per 1-cup serving.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are found in nearly every Healthy Choice meal. They are important in a diet not only for the fiber content but also for vitamins and minerals. Healthy Choice explains that they use whole grains to increase more difficult to consume nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium and potassium. The grains also contain antioxidants. Overall, whole grains can make you feel full. The United States Department of Agriculture has created a food pyramid to reflect their guidelines and recommendations on nutrition. This pyramid recommends at least 48 g of whole grains per day for an adult. Most Healthy Choice meals contain at least 10 g of whole grains, but some are in the upper 20 and 30 g ranges.
Protein
Protein is the third component of the Healthy Choice meals. Protein is important regardless of your diet or lifestyle. Even vegetarians require protein to function healthily. This important nutrient helps repair bodily tissues, support the immune system and provide energy, states Healthy Choice. Protein comes from various animal products as well as fish, eggs, cheese and yogurt. In the Healthy Choice meals, you get protein from ingredients such as beans, legumes and meats. Even the vegetable dishes, such as Pumpkin Squash Ravioli, contain protein. The Cafe Steamers contain 15 or more grams of protein per serving.
Antioxidants
Unlike the other factors in Healthy Choice products, antioxidants don't make the list of recommended daily nutrients and vitamins, according to MyPyramid.gov. They are, however, found in vital vitamins and minerals such as zinc, vitamin A and vitamin E. Healthy Choice explains that Americans aren't consuming enough of these essential nutrients, which also happen to be full of antioxidants. The meals aim to include nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and lycopene. The All Natural Entrees are high in antioxidants due to the inclusion of foods such as squash, pumpkin and tomato. The benefits of these nutrients are vast, including healthy vision, red blood cell production and immune system support
Calories
In addition to the well-balanced nutrition provided by Healthy Choice meals, each food choice offers you portion control. Meals are created to contain a healthy number of calories that provide a wide variety of nutrients as well as hunger control. Depending on the meal, the calories can range from 230 to 540 or slightly more or less. These numbers are ideal for those on a calorie restricting diet as well as someone just wanting to eat healthfully but conveniently.
Member Comments