After a hard day’s work, popping your TV dinner into the microwave while you wager on Goldenslot might be more appealing than cooking from scratch. Frozen foods are quick, easy, and cheap, but does this food supply your body with the nutrients it needs to thrive?
When it comes to health, frozen foods have a bad reputation. These meals are often seen as calorific or artificial. Between the processed meats and fatty simmers, there are some wholesome options if you know where to look. Many modern food companies offer tasty, balanced entrees that are healthy and ready to eat in minutes.
First, let’s debunk six TV dinner myths, then we will look at how you can choose healthier meals.
Debunking Common Misconceptions About TV Dinners
Myth 1: Frozen Foods Lose Nutritional Value in the Freezing Process
Several studies have shown that frozen foods, especially vegetables and fruits, are rich in nutrients, like Vitamin A or C. Freezing these foods at peak ripeness retains these nutrients. Fresh fruits and veggies typically lose most of the nutrients about three days after picking.
Myth 2: Frozen Foods Are High in Sodium
One of the biggest misconceptions about frozen food is that it contains excess sodium and other unhealthy ingredients: it is not true for every product. Many food producers are striving to meet the demands of the growing number of health-conscious consumers. The industry is producing low-sodium, low-calorie meals filled with lean proteins, grains, and vegetables.
If you want to ensure your frozen food meets healthy sodium requirements, scan the nutrition label, and aim for 650 milligrams or less.
Myth 3: Frozen foods expire
According to FoodSafety.gov, you can store any food at 0°F or lower for an unlimited period. Most people do not know the right way to properly store foods in a freezer, though. There is no set duration where a frozen meal is at its highest quality if it has been stored correctly.
Myth 4: Frozen food is expensive
TV foods provide a budget-friendly way to eat nutritious meals or quick dinners. For instance, during winter, frozen fruits are cheaper than fresh fruits. It is also nutritious and healthy because it is flash-frozen hours after it has been picked.
Myth 5: TV Dinners are too processed
A few years ago, it may have been true, but times have changed. There are dozens of healthy food choices that are only slightly processed or almost in their natural state in the frozen foods section.
Many natural food companies have come up with ingenious ways to freeze foods without adding unnecessary ingredients. How can you be sure you’re are buying healthy food? Read the nutritional value of each ingredient before you add it to your trolley.
Put back any food that has unnecessary additives and preservatives.
Myth 6: Frozen Foods are chemical-laden
According to health and wellness experts, TV dinners often have as much, if not more nutrients than their fresh counterparts. For example, frozen vegetables go straight from the farm to the packing facility where they’re cleaned and flash-frozen. The fresh fruit and vegetables are usually sprayed with chemicals to extend shelf life.
Frozen food, like meat, retains the freshness, so it doesn’t need food additives, like coloring, BHT, potassium sorbate, or sodium benzoate.
How to Choose Healthy Frozen Meals
While this might come as a surprise to many, frozen foods are more nutritious, and in some instances, more beneficial than their fresh counterparts. It typically costs a fraction of the price of fresh food, too.
Like anything you eat, it is essential to check the nutrition labels to know what’s going into your belly.
Focus On Ingredients
Navigate the frozen food aisle and choose wholesome ingredients, like fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables. Steer clear of foods like frozen pizzas, turnovers, and cheap versions of restaurant meals.
Check the Label
Just because food is prepacked doesn’t mean it meets your nutritional needs. It is crucial that you take the time to read the facts on the package to ensure the choice is healthy for you.
- Always go for entrees with at least 10 grams of protein.
- Make sure that you check the sodium levels—aim for about 600 milligrams or less per serving to maintain a healthy heart.
- For frozen fruits and veggies, avoid any added sugars or high calories.
Packed with Vegetables
Go for foods that include plenty of vegetables, which tend to be higher in minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Vegetables also help to fill you up and contain fewer calories than other ingredients.
A Source of Protein
Avoid meals with saturated fat higher than four grams. Instead, opt for fish, chicken, lean meat, or whole grains and brown rice wherever possible.
Avoid High-Calorie Foods
When shopping for frozen meals, you should know that there are two main types of frozen meals:
- Light frozen dinners, which contain less than 300 calories, and no more than 8 grams of fat.
- Regular frozen dinners contain 360 to 400 calories, and 25 grams or less of fat per pack.
Jot these figures down and refer to it when checking labels. When shopping, it is better to go for lighter frozen meals that have fewer calories and fat.
Serving sizes
Some TV dinners sneak two servings into what looks like a single-serving meal. Be sure to check the serving size and ensure it fits your calorie goal.
Build it better
Try to add some salad and a serving of fruit to every meal, especially if you have eaten a lower-calorie dinner. It will boost your mineral, fiber, and vitamin content and help satisfy your hunger for longer.
If you are still wondering whether you can survive eating only TV dinners for a whole year, the answer is yes.
Frozen dinners go a long way in blending convenience and nutrition, and the key to proper nutrition is eating a balanced meal. Be sure that you choose frozen meals with the right ingredients and nutritional values.