We all tend to believe that when it comes to eating healthfully, fresh is best. We see perfectly formed, just-picked fruits and vegetables. But wait a moment. Before arriving at your grocery store, those strawberries may have travelled for days. The bag of frozen berries, though? At their freshest, they were probably flash-frozen, sealing in nutrients minutes after they were picked.
Many frozen food manufacturers are embracing healthy options. They are producing delicious, nourishing, and fresh ingredient-packed low calorie ready meals. Frozen options can be as healthy as or even healthier than fresh alternatives. Because they don’t stale fast, and also help you avoid food waste.
If you’re short on time, frozen meals can be a lifesaver. And with so many healthy options available, you don’t have to sacrifice your diet for convenience. Also, you can easily surf online and get healthy ready meals delivered in the UK. So, next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t overlook the frozen food aisle.Â
Here are 6 tips for choosing the healthiest frozen foods
- Make sure it has enough calories.
Sometimes, the portions of healthy frozen dinners are too small. They might not make you feel full like a complete meal would. Instead, they might make you feel like you ate a snack or a side dish. If you want low calorie ready meals, this can be a challenge.
According to sports nutritionists, look for foods that are about the same number of calories as the meals you usually make at home. Think about ways to add more food to a frozen dinner to make it more healthy. You may put sliced avocado on top of a frozen burrito or chopped nuts on top of a frozen grain bowl.
- Fill in the nutritional gaps with simple staples.
You want a meal that is balanced and well-rounded in addition to having enough calorie content. Thus, seek a meal high in fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Moreover, to make your favourite frozen meal a complete meal and guarantee you receive all the health benefits you need, fill in the gaps with pantry staples or pre-made basics. You have to think of ways to supplement nutrition by adding what might be lacking. To your favourite frozen meal, you can add some of the pre-made brown rice, potatoes, or quinoa.
- Seek out foods rich in protein and fibre.
Your closest buddies for feeling full after a meal are protein and fibre. Together, they keep your stomach content and your energy levels constant for longer. What can you do to ensure that your frozen meals have enough nutrients?
It is imperative to check the nutrition label of the frozen food you are buying or likely to buy. Ensure it offers at least 5 grams of fibre and 15 to 20 grams of protein per serving. You’ll feel fuller longer and ward off those post-lunch hunger attacks with this combo.
Black beans and lentils are an excellent place to begin your search for nutritious frozen meals. Tightly packed with nutrients, these adaptable legumes give any meal a wonderful heartiness.
- Check your sodium intake.
It cannot be easy to control how much sodium you consume overall throughout the day. The best options if you’re trying to find heart-healthy options are frozen meals with comparatively little sodium. Dinners should ideally contain no more than 600 mg of sodium per serving. Remember, though, that your unique health requirements may determine the precise amount you should aim for.Â
Also Read: 5 Delicious Tagliatelle Recipes for Every Occasion
- Include simple side dishes.
Are you trying to add a little more flair to your healthful microwave meals? One excellent approach to achieve that is by including a serving of fruits or vegetables. It will increase your consumption of fibre and vital vitamins and also prolong your feeling of fullness.
It’s easy to match some fresh or precooked vegetables with your frozen meal. Make a fast side dish while your main course heats up. For a tasty and healthful addition, sauté some frozen spinach in garlic and olive oil. For an easy and wholesome side dish when you’re pressed for time, just microwave some frozen peas or broccoli. Alternatively, you might assemble a basic salad with your favourite greens and a little dressing.Â
- Present it attractively.
A little creativity in the plating of your food can go a long way towards elevating your eating experience. Pause for a second and place the container on a real plate or bowl before taking a bite. Taking this one easy step will make your food look restaurant quality in no time. For an additional touch, add a sprinkle of any fresh herbs you have on hand for a burst of flavour and colour. A simple, fast dinner can become something more memorable and satisfying with just a few little tweaks like these.
Bottom Line
So, choose satisfying and healthy frozen meals by focusing on calorie content, nutritional balance, protein and fibre, and other aspects.
For a convenient and nutritious option, consider Eat Water’s low calorie ready meals. They offer a variety of meals to suit your taste preferences. These meals are available online on their website and, ensuring you get healthy ready meals delivered UK right to your doorstep. With these tips and options, maintaining a healthy diet has never been easier or more enjoyable.