While frozen meals make it super easy, a lot of them are filled with a massive amount of not-so-healthful-sounding things. Though they could save time, they also could be inflicting a grave toll on your health. Read on to see which ones are worth avoiding- or at least significantly limiting- and then do yourself a favor and save them for when you absolutely must: these 18 frozen meals that seriously aren’t doing your body any favors.
Microwave Pizza
Most microwave pizzas are loaded with salt and unhealthy saturated fat. These pizzas have little nutritional value compared to homemade pizzas. According to research presented at the American Heart Association, salt-packed diets are associated with a greater likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the convenience of microwave pizzas often leads to overconsumption, which exacerbates health issues.
Breaded Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets can appear to be healthy and high in protein, but they are deep-fried before being frozen. Harvard Health points out a significant danger associated with many fried and breaded products that contain trans fats. The excessive consumption of trans fats is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, making these nuggets a poor dietary choice.
Frozen Burritos
Most frozen burritos are stuffed with sodium chloride and additives. This is toxic and can cause high blood pressure. One burrito might have half of the recommended daily salt dose. Furthermore, the preservatives in these burritos can disrupt your body’s natural processes, leading to potential long-term health problems.
TV Dinners
The list of garbage in a lot of TV dinners is endless. Most fast food meals are low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. We have all seen studies that suggest diets high in processed foods can lead to obesity and other health issues. Consistently opting for these meals can undermine your efforts to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet.
Frozen Fish Sticks
They might sound nutritious, but fish sticks are usually breaded and fried. They will also have unhealthy lipids. Go for fresh fish or baked instead. Freshly prepared fish not only tastes better but also retains more essential nutrients compared to its processed counterparts.
Frozen Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, but it’s often loaded with chemical preservatives and salt. Opt for homemade versions that use real cheese and whole ingredients. Homemade mac and cheese allows you to use nutrient-rich ingredients and avoid unnecessary chemicals.
Frozen Meatloaf
Frozen meatloaf can be salt-overloaded and full of mystery additives. When you make meatloaf at home, for instance, it is much easier to control the quality of your ingredients and, in turn, create a more healthful meal. This also allows you to experiment with healthier alternatives like lean meats and vegetables.
Breakfast Sandwiches
Many of these sandwiches are generally high in sodium, saturated fats, and preservative agents. A natural breakfast sandwich is the greatest way to start your day on a healthier note. Preparing your breakfast sandwiches gives you the freedom to include wholesome, fresh ingredients.
Pies and Pastries
Most of the time, frozen pies and pastries have high sugar content with unhealthy fats and artificial extracts in them. They are nutritionally weak and are not great for your ongoing health. These treats often contribute to weight gain and can spike your blood sugar levels, leading to energy crashes.
Lasagna
They may be great for a quick-fix dinner, but frozen lasagna is loaded with salt and fats, as well as chemical preservatives. When you make lasagna at home, you have the control to use ingredients that are much healthier to eat. Homemade lasagna can include fresh vegetables and lean meats, enhancing its nutritional profile.
Fried Rice
Frozen fried rice often contains excessive salt and unhealthy lipids. It’s better to make fried rice at home, where you can control the amount of oil and sodium used. Additionally, you can incorporate a variety of fresh vegetables and lean proteins to boost the dish’s nutritional value.
Hot Pockets
These are notoriously high in sodium, bad fats, and other artificial ingredients. They are low in nutritional value but, if consumed often, can be dangerous to the health. Frequent consumption can lead to serious health issues such as hypertension and high cholesterol levels.
Frozen Sausage and Egg Bowls
The breakfast bowls have high levels of salt and saturated fats. You can easily prepare this dish at home with a choice of healthy, fresh ingredients. By doing so, you can avoid the hidden sugars and artificial flavors that are often found in frozen versions.
Chicken Pot Pie
With chicken pot pies, the main concern tends to be salt and unhealthy fats, but calories can easily add up, too. Homemade pot pies are also a great way to ensure clean ingredients and serving size. Opting for a homemade version allows you to include more vegetables and use leaner cuts of meat.
Get the homemade recipe here: Chicken Pot Pie Puff Pastries
Frozen Meat Pies
Filled with unhealthy fats, sodium, and artificial ingredients, these are most frozen meat pies! By choosing homemade meat pies, you can limit the number of these bad ingredients that go into your body. Freshly made pies also give you the chance to use whole grains and fresher, more nutritious fillings.
Frozen Cheese Sticks
Cheese sticks are usually coated in breading and fried before being frozen, which ups a dose of unhealthy fats as well as sodium. Fresh cheese with whole-grain crackers is a more heart-healthy snack. This alternative not only reduces unhealthy fats but also increases your intake of fiber and essential nutrients.
Corn Dogs
Corn dogs are high in hydrogenated fats, sodium, and other artificial junk. They contain almost no nutrients and are also detrimental to your health if you have them on a regular basis. Regular consumption can lead to weight gain and increased risk of chronic diseases.
Veggie Burgers
Veggie burgers can seem healthy, but some “frozen” burgers tend to contain vast amounts of salt and preservatives. Homemade veggie burgers made with real ingredients will be a far healthier alternative. Crafting your veggie burgers allows for more variety and better quality ingredients, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.
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