Although frozen meals are easy and convenient, most of them tend to be high in sodium, saturated fat and calories. Luckily, healthier frozen entrees are available at grocery stores that you can opt for instead.
There are food brands that sell frozen meals for the health conscious shopper in mind. It’s a win-win for customers — you’ll get the convenience of a quick microwavable meal, without having to sacrifice your health in the process.
Andrey_Popov / ShutterstockHere are seven frozen meals that are delicious and won’t ruin your diet.
1. Lean Cuisine Swedish Meatballs
These Swedish Meatballs from Lean Cuisine make for a good high-protein meal that would pair well with a side salad. It’s served with a pasta and savory gravy, with 16 grams of protein. It has rave reviews online from customers who say it’s equally delicious and convenient to make in just minutes using the microwave. This healthy take on spaghetti and meatballs has only 290 calories per package¹ and six grams of fat.
2. Healthy Choice Cajun Style Chicken and Shrimp
This frozen meal from Healthy Choice is like a balanced version of surf n’ turf. The Cajun Style Chicken and Shrimp is served on a bed of rice alongside tender veggies. It does have a bit of a kick thanks to the spicy sauce that will sizzle your taste buds. This gluten-free meal is 220 calories² and contains less than three grams of total fat.
If you’re looking to increase your potassium intake, this Healthy Choice entree is a good option since it contains 650mg. This nutrient helps³ to reduce blood pressure and protect against strokes, so any amount of potassium you can add into your diet is key.
3. Healthy Choice Beef Merlot
This gluten-free meal is full of tender beef, roasted potatoes and crisp vegetables. The beef is paired with a Merlot wine sauce for added flavor, a tasty duo that gives the entree its name. It’s only 180 calories and really low in carbs, with just 20 grams per serving. The beef merlot has been given a good rating for Weight Watchers participants, earning it a SmartPoints value⁴ of five.
4. Ethnic Gourmet Pad Thai With Shrimp
For a delicious meal that boasts some Asian flare, try out this Pad Thai With Shrimp from Ethnic Gourmet. This company specializes in delivering customers with global foods that are flavorful, authentic and easy to prepare.
This mildly spicy pad thai contains rice noodles mixed with shrimp, carrots and scallions. It’s tossed in a peanut sauce and garnished with roasted peanuts for an added crunch. This pad thai is packed with 17 grams of protein⁵ and low in total fat. It only has 410 calories, yet it will leave you full after eating it.
5. Michelina’s Chicken Alfredo Florentine
This brand has a ton of frozen entree options, but those looking for healthier alternatives can look at Michelina’s “Light” selection. One of their selections include this Chicken Alfredo Florentine, made with wheat noodles and seasoned chicken breast. It’s a simple pasta that even picky eaters can enjoy, and contains only 250 calories⁶ with 34 grams of carbs.
6. Smart Ones Broccoli and Chicken Rigatoni
Italian food is known for its delicious, flavorful and carb-heavy meals. If you want to enjoy Italian food without feeling guilty about your carb intake, try out the Smart Ones Broccoli and Chicken Rigatoni — it contains only 40 grams⁷ of carbohydrates.
This pasta aims to satisfy your cravings, but in a healthy way. It has 260 calories and is made of al dente pasta, white chicken, broccoli and tossed into a creamy parmesan sauce. It’s loaded with 16 grams of protein, making for a filling and tasty pasta that takes just five minutes to make.
7. Simply Steamers Unwrapped Burrito Bowl
If you’re looking for a meal with a little bit of everything, this Unwrapped Burrito Bowl is just that. It’s loaded with organic black and pinto beans, sweet red bell peppers and scallions. It also has organic whole grain brown rice, which is a great food option for those wanting to eat healthy.
The bowl is topped with roasted corn and spicy tomatillo which shows that just because it’s frozen, doesn’t mean food has to lack in flavor. The best part is it’s only 270 calories⁸ with nine grams of protein.
Frozen Meals Are Easy And Delicious
Take the time to try a variety of frozen meals at your local grocery store. There are a ton of different types that can cater to all taste buds. Plus, more and more brands are offering alternatives to their meals that are dairy and gluten-free, giving anyone a chance to try their meals.
Those who find cooking a challenge will love how you only need a microwave to make a meal. They’re relatively inexpensive and can make for a healthier option when you don’t feel like cooking. Instead of reaching for the phone and ordering take-out, having these types of healthy frozen meals on hand will help you maintain a balanced diet.
