Healthy frozen food and drink recipes! (2024)

FAQs

What healthy foods can be frozen? ›

Mushrooms, avocados, spinach, rhubarb (yes, it is a vegetable!); beans, carrots, broccoli can all be frozen. If they naturally have a high-water content, it's best for them to be pureed, sautéed, stewed before freezing.

By making your own frozen meals you will be able to tailor them to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Homemade meals can have far less sodium and preservatives than store-bought counterparts. Try improving their nutritional quality by using brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and low sodium pasta sauces and broths.

For people with higher calorie needs, they can add fruits or vegetables to the meal or even a small serving of protein to hit the calorie target,” she says. “Low-calorie frozen meals provide convenience, structure, and calorie control, which leads to better adherence and weight loss.”

Frozen meals can be notoriously high in sodium and saturated fat. “The worst frozen meals have more than 700 grams of sodium and more than 4 to 5 grams of saturated fat,” says Taylor. It's best to limit the sodium in your frozen meals to 600 milligrams or less, and the saturated fat to 3 grams or less.

Marie Callender's Meatloaf and Country Fried Chicken

That's not to mention the 500 calories and whopping 2,370 milligrams of sodium. Frankly, while noting the negative aspects of this frozen dinner, Arce says that it's not only "lacking fiber," but is also "high in sodium and saturated fat."

However, frozen foods are often highly processed, may be higher in calories and contain harmful additives that you may want to limit in your diet. For example, as with other ultra processed foods, frozen meals can contain additives that may increase your risk of certain cancers.

It's proven to be healthier

Some studies suggest that people who cook more often, rather than get take-out, have an overall healthier diet. These studies also show that restaurant meals typically contain higher amounts of sodium, saturated fat, total fat, and overall calories than home-cooked meals.

While frozen meals are a convenient way to eat a balanced meal, it's easy to be led astray–they're also known for being packed with sodium, calories, and saturated fat, making moderation important. With the correct guidance, however, frozen meals can be part of healthy eating plan!

How do you make frozen food taste good? ›

Garlic and/or onion if it's severely lacking flavor. Red sauces you can add some spice too if you like. “Grey" or brown sauces like swedish meatballs, Salisbury steak, stroganoff etc add sour cream and garlic. If you have any specific frozen foods you eat and want ideas for let me know!

Marie Callender's Meatloaf and Country Fried Chicken

That's not to mention the 500 calories and whopping 2,370 milligrams of sodium. Frankly, while noting the negative aspects of this frozen dinner, Arce says that it's not only "lacking fiber," but is also "high in sodium and saturated fat."

Excessive Sodium, Sugar, and Saturated Fats

One of the primary dangers of grocery store frozen meals is their high content of sodium, sugar, and saturated fats. Even so-called “healthy” pre-packaged frozen meals can contain excessive amounts of these additives.