It can be a challenge to eat healthy meals, especially if you don't have enough time to purchase and prepare fresh foods or if cooking isn't your thing. Frozen meals are convenient because you can use them whenever you want, they are quick to prepare and they can be healthier than other quick alternatives, such as fast food or junk food from a vending machine.
Traditional Meals
A frozen meal with a source of protein and one or two sides can be a healthy option for lunch or dinner. A diet meal may be your best choice for limiting the calories. Choose one with a lean source of protein -- such as chicken breast, fish or shrimp -- and avoid breaded, fried proteins, such as fish sticks or chicken fingers. The meal should have at least one serving of vegetables to provide fiber, vitamins and minerals, and the healthiest choice for a starch is a whole grain, such as buckwheat kasha, or a starchy vegetable, such as sweet potatoes.
Soups
Eating chunky soup can help fill you up on fewer calories so that you can control your weight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, green beans and onions add fiber, potassium and vitamins A and C. To lower your saturated fat and calories, choose a broth-based or clear soup instead of a cream-based or cheese soup. A high-sodium diet may raise your blood pressure, so choose a low-sodium frozen soup.
Vegetarian Meals
A plant-based meal can provide just as much high-quality protein as a meal with meat, and it may be healthier if it is cholesterol-free and lower in saturated fat. Your meal may have a soy-based meat substitute, such as a veggie burger or stir-fry with vegetables, and it may come with a whole grain, such as brown rice. Vegetarian chili with beans can be another healthy choice for a frozen meal, as long as it does not contain too much sodium. Most potpies are unhealthy options because they high in calories and saturated or trans fat.
Breakfast Sandwich
When you are on the go in the morning, a healthy frozen breakfast could be a sandwich on whole-grain bread, which provides dietary fiber, magnesium and potassium. Choose a sandwich with low-fat cheese, turkey bacon or sausage and egg whites instead of full-fat pork or beef sausage, regular cheese and whole eggs. Be aware that sandwiches on biscuits are typically high in calories and fat. You can also eat a piece of fruit with your sandwich to make your meal more filling.
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