Are Weight Watchers Frozen Meals Healthy? Check the benefits and drawbacks of frozen meals and if you can include them in your meal planning!
When you first start using a new diet, you’ll probably be nervous about how it will affect your diet over time. Does it really taste that much different? And what if the results are disappointing? The good news is, that changing your eating habits gradually — rather than going from zero to 100 overnight — is the recommended approach.
This article will answer these questions and more regarding frozen meals vs. regular meals. It will also discuss health benefits and disadvantages according to the studies. So let’s get started! Read on to learn more…
Are Frozen Meals Healthy?
Sodium and saturated fat content in frozen food is a well-known problem. According to Taylor, the worst frozen meals include more than 4 to 5 grams of saturated fat and 700 milligrams of salt. Ideally, your frozen meals should have no more than 600 milligrams of salt and no more than 3 grams of saturated fat. *1
Can I Lose Weight Eating Frozen Dinners?
Hundreds of calories are saved if a high-calorie restaurant meal is substituted with a freezer meal. Numerous studies demonstrate that eating frozen meals as meal replacements as part of a planned weight-loss regimen is a beneficial method. *3
What Happens to Your Body when You Eat Frozen Dinners?
Frozen food may raise your body’s cholesterol levels, which exacerbates a number of cardiac issues. Additionally, they may cause block arteries and increase your risk of developing heart disease due to large amounts of trans fat found in frozen meals. *4
What Are the Disadvantages of Frozen Food?
Disadvantages of Frozen Foods may include different tastes compared to fresh food and can change the texture. Health issues that might result from issues with the cooling chain. Also, preservatives are used in several frozen food preparations. *5
Are Frozen Dinners Better than Fast Food?
A recent study indicated that persons who frequently ate frozen meals consumed 253 less calories and 2.6 fewer grams of saturated fat per day than people who regularly ate fast food. The study was published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. *6
Are Frozen Dinners Processed Food?
The foods that have undergone the most processing are frequently frozen or prepared meals, such as frozen pizza and microwaveable entrees/dinners. *7
How do you pick a healthy frozen meal?
Eat meals that have less calories and more vitamins, fiber, and minerals than other foods, which helps fill you up, that include, for example, meals containing at least one serving of vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat, fish, or poultry. Furthermore, avoid frozen meals that contain gravies, fried items, or cream sauces. *8
Is frozen pasta healthy?
Elliot Reimers, a certified nutrition consultant with Rave Reviews, advises consumers to stay away from frozen pasta recipes. They are harmful due to their high salt and fat content. According to HourGlass Waist’s Hannah Shine, the creamy delicacy is highly bad for the body even though it tastes good. *10
Can I eat frozen food daily?
The CDC estimates that processed and prepared foods, such as frozen meals, account for more than 70% of the sodium we eat. Consuming excessive salt can raise blood pressure, which may put you at risk for heart disease and/or stroke. *11
Benefits of Frozen foods
Frozen foods generally retain their vitamins and minerals and have no change to their carbohydrate, protein, or fat content. Fresh foods tend to lose nutrition as they age while frozen foods preserve them. *12
Freezing vs fresh food?
The biggest advantage to freezing food is that it can maintain its nutritional value for a longer period of time. Travel time is one of the biggest disadvantages of fresh food, as it loses its nutritional value a much quicker rate in comparison to frozen food. *13
Why are frozen meals so popular?
A significant proportion of frozen food shoppers (83%) sought items such as “as a back-up solution,” in order to obtain long-shelf life products, such as soups and frozen vegetables. In addition, frozen foods were valued for their quick preparation, time savings, and easier preparation, as a quick meals solution and meal replacement. *14
Can frozen dinners be good for you?
These frozen meals fit easily into your schedule, are easy to throw together, and can be used as a healthy alternative to take with you on the go. You can also try making sure that you’re eating foods that are high in fiber; fiber feeds your body in the form of something called “gut-friendly” fiber. This is found in things like beans, oats, seaweed, and probiotics. You can also try to eat high fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
“A healthy meal can be enjoyed throughout the day with frozen meals, says Kristen Smith, RDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and creator of 360 Family Nutrition.” *15
What Are the Healthiest Frozen Dinners to Eat?
Example of Frozen Meals That Are Dietitian Approved. *2
- Trader Joe’s Chicken Burrito bowl.
- Kellogg’s Kashi Plant-Based Protein Bowl.
- Tattooed Chef Frozen Buddha Bowl.
- Amy’s Kitchen Greek Spanakopita Wrap.
- Amy’s Bean and Cheese Frozen Burrito.
- Banza Margherita Chickpea Pizza.
- Trader Joe’s Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry.
Weight Watchers friendly frozen meals
Frozen dinners are a fantastic way to get your fill of healthy, nourishing food in a short amount of time. Not only is frozen cooking convenient, but it is also easy to make a variety of different frozen dinners, including those for Weight Watchers. If you are trying to lose weight, you should definitely consider trying these frozen meals.
So, based on the information presented above, please keep in mind all of the benefits and drawbacks of frozen meals and include them in your meal planning, but avoid eating them on a regular basis.
Check out these 80+ best WW frozen meals to buy (ultimate list)!