How to Choose Healthy, Frozen Meals?

Frozen foods are often full of sodium and preservatives that are unhealthy for regular consumption. However, with an increase in demand, manufacturers have been focusing on making healthier options for frozen meals. Not only vegetarian but also vegan, gluten-free, ethnic, and many other varieties of frozen meals have been made available in the market.
The question still remains, how could you possibly pick the healthiest frozen meals that don’t mess up your health routine? To make it easy, we have enlisted a few factors you could consider before buying a frozen meal:

Nutritional Value of the Meal

First and foremost, when you pick a package, flip it, and read the nutritional value of the meal. This part gives you an idea about what the meal actually contains; you can accordingly compare it with your nutritional needs.
• The meal should contain at least 6 grams of fibre. This improves the digestive system and keeps the stomach full for long hours. As a result, you will snack less frequently in-between meals. Furthermore, ensure that you select meals containing the most amounts of vegetables, legumes, and other plant-based proteins that are rich in both soluble & insoluble fibre.
• As already established, proteins play a vital role in muscle repair and bodybuilding. Hence, frozen meals should have more than 15 grams of protein in any form. For example, cottage cheese, pulses, legumes, eggs and others.
• Low sodium levels have many undervalued health benefits. For instance, they lower water retention in the body and help regulate blood pressure. Furthermore, it prevents bloating and some renal and cardiac problems.

Calorie Intake

In case you are on a restricted calorie-intake diet, reading about the calories a specific frozen meal has to offer matters. Many frozen varieties have abundant nutrients, however, with increased calories. Choosing such food might disrupt your health goals and not give a favourable outcome.
As a result, you must first understand an estimate of the calories you must be taking in a day; this should be followed by balancing your meal choices accordingly. If you are unsure about how many calories you should take, consult us.
Nowadays, most frozen meals are low in calories. This often results in dissatisfactory fullness and makes you eat more. If that is the case, you can always add a side dish or a salad to ensure you are not left hungry.

Consider Frozen Vegetables

Instead of relying on frozen meals, you can buy frozen vegetables and add seasonings based on your palate and needs. This way, you can not only avoid unnecessary additives, but also cheese, sodium and other preservatives.
What's more? They'll even taste better!

Choosing Fruits

Fruits are picked and frozen at the peak of their ripeness. These fruits are even more nutritious than those we pick from the market.
It's essential to buy fruits that are natural and do not contain sweetened syrups or sugar.

Avoid Fried Foodstuffs

It's an inevitable fact that fried and junk foodstuffs taste delicious. However, these are known to be the most unhealthy forms of food that deteriorate health faster than you think.
They are not only high in calories, but also high in salt content. Replace them with healthier choices such as fish or chicken.

Low Mercury Options

If you're a fan of seafood, take note. Some fish and other seafoods have been known to contain high levels of mercury; a toxic substance, which when consumed may cause major health concerns.
Thus, when picking a seafood meal, ensure that the levels of mercury are low to negligible.

Conclusion

Frozen foods are a healthier choice in comparison to fried and junk foodstuffs. However, before selecting one keep the above discussed factors in mind. Read the labels of nutritional value carefully and make the right decision.
Finally, choose a balanced diet that contains vegetables, fruits, proteins, minerals and vitamins.