Not all frozen dinners are “unhealthy”!

Because sometimes you need a quick fix.

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Today's Ingredients My go-to frozen meal is definitely macaroni and cheese. Whenever I've had a long (and I mean long) day at the office, the only thing that can make me feel better is a microwaved tray of gooey mac and cheese that's just slightly overcooked for crispy, crunchy edges. This is purely an emotional fix. It doesn't satisfy my actual hunger for dinner, so I end up buying more packaged food at the store or cooking something else at home. For today's newsletter, I asked registered dietitian Lindsay Mahar how I can find a frozen meal that's actually filling — and, ideally, nutritious.   • Food to enjoy: 16 low sodium recipe ideas   • News to know: How to keep up weight loss in a sustainable way   • Exercises to try: The 5x5 workout will help you achieve big gains Choose wisely! Kenny Thapoung Managing Newsletter Editor, Healthline   Written by Kenny Thapoung January 11, 2024 • 3 min read Let's Ask the Dietitian Q: Are frozen dinners actually unhealthy, or are some fairly nutrient-rich? What should I look for? A: As you probably know, it's best for our health to include unprocessed foods most of the time. But life can get busy, making convenience foods such as frozen dinners a tempting option. Since most frozen dinners contain preservatives, saturated fat, and added sodium, we don't want to rely on them every day. However, eating these convenience foods occasionally in a pinch probably won't impact your health long term. If you eat frozen meals multiple times a week or you're managing a chronic condition like heart disease or diabetes, make sure to opt for the more balanced options. Here are a few things to look for to make sure you're choosing a nutrient-rich frozen dinner: Choose meals that are 1/2 non-starchy vegetables, 1/4 lean protein, and 1/4 whole grain or starch. Balance out entrees that primarily have simple carbs (macaroni and cheese) with additional colorful vegetables and protein (chicken, fish, beans) on the side. Look for entrees that contain no more than 33% of the Daily Value of sodium, saturated fat, or added sugars. While 33% is still considered "high," many frozen entrees can contain a lot more. Lindsay Mahar, Registered Dietitian Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com and we'll look into it for you! (Heads-up: We may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.) Great finds So old-school       Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave So. CUTE. I've been looking for a smaller microwave that won't occupy a ton of space on my counter, and I think this might be perfect. Now, if only I could decide which vintage color would suit my apartment — there are so many fun choices! Shop now Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health.       the takeout What we're digesting 🥥 How to make CBD oil with coconut oil. A fun weekend project for you! 🧻 Why do I have incomplete bowel movements? The answer might not be what you'd expect. 💊 The 12 best probiotics for women. We vetted many options before selecting these top choices for benefits such as vaginal health and constipation relief. ✍️ Track your ulcerative colitis flares better. Your symptoms, diet, activities, and medication are all important to stay on top of. Talk to you again soon, friends! Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!   This edition was powered by the frozen aisle.

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