8 Great Frozen Entrees When You Need a Fast-Food Fix
8 Great Frozen Entrees When You Need a Fast-Food Fix

It's a given: Life is going to hand you a certain number of days so crazed that high-speed takeout seems like the only dinner option.

The hitch? The only people who know less than restaurant chefs when it comes to portion control are the stressed-out and starving. (You know the feeling: You deserve to supersize something after the day you've had.)

The fix? Stock your freezer with healthy versions of your fave takeout treats -- ones that are delicious enough to keep you driving right past the fast-food palace. Honest, they exist. Just check this list, tested by a bunch of tough-to-please tasters.

PIZZA: Lean Cuisine Brick Oven Style Roasted Garlic Chicken Pizza
Here's a great way to soothe pizza cravings without worrying about the two-slice cutoff! The flatbread crust is topped with creamy garlic sauce, chicken, and cheese. And it crisps up perfectly in the microwave.
340 calories, 7 grams fat (2 grams saturated), 49 grams carbohydrate, 670 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber, 20 grams protein

ENCHILADAS: Amy's Light in Sodium Black Bean and Vegetable Enchiladas
Dig into two corn tortillas filled with black beans, corn, zucchini, tofu, and bell peppers, all covered in mild enchilada sauce. Note that there's a low-sodium version of this meal: 380 milligrams versus 780 milligrams in the regular version. Smart. High-salt hits are hard to avoid in most frozen food, so take advantage.
320 calories, 12 grams fat (1 gram saturated), 44 grams carbohydrate, 380 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber, 10 grams protein

BURRITO: Cedarlane Low Fat Beans, Rice & Cheese Style Burrito
This almost sounds too healthful to be fun, but even our burrito junkies loved this dish of pinto beans, soy cheddar cheese, tomatoes, and organic brown rice wrapped in a warm wheat tortilla. For extra zing, top it off with your favorite salsa.
260 calories, 1 gram fat (0 gram saturated), 48 grams carbohydrate, 490 milligrams sodium, 7 grams fiber, 13 grams protein

PANINI: Lean Cuisine Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Panini
Okay, it's not quite the same as the corner bistro's, but a little perspective here: Eating just half of Panera Bread's Frontega Chicken Panini would cost you 400 calories, 16 grams of fat, and 1080 milligrams of sodium! This is faster, cheaper, much healthier, and surprisingly satisfying. 
320 calories, 7 grams fat (2.5 grams saturated), 41 grams carbohydrate, 660 milligrams sodium, 5 grams fiber, 22 grams protein

THAI NOODLES: Seeds of Change Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles
You don't have to be a nutritionist to figure out that large servings of noodles drenched in peanut sauce are hazardous to your waist. Not these. The linguini is made with healthy semolina wheat flour, and there's plenty of zippy ginger-peanut sauce flavoring the noodles, veggies, and tofu (done just right -- nice and firm).
350 calories, 9 grams fat (3 grams saturated), 620 milligrams sodium, 51 grams carbohydrate, 5 grams fiber, 17 grams protein

RAVIOLI: Lean Cuisine Butternut Squash Ravioli
This indulgent-tasting dish features pillowy squash ravioli with a creamy pumpkin-like filling, surrounded by yellow and orange carrots, snap peas, and chopped walnuts, all covered with a light cream sauce. Bonus: It gives you almost all the vitamin A you need for the whole day.
350 calories, 9 grams fat (3 grams saturated), 56 grams carbohydrate, 660 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber, 13 grams protein

MAC 'N' CHEESE: Smart Ones Three Cheese Macaroni
Every now and then, you need a taste of your favorite childhood dish. If mac and cheese is yours, this one will soothe your inner 5-year-old's needs for just 300 warm, creamy calories.
300 calories, 6 grams fat (2.5 grams saturated), 48 grams carbohydrate, 570 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber, 14 grams protein

SOMETHING DIFFERENT: Kashi Lemongrass Coconut Chicken
A delicious bowl of tender snow peas, carrots, broccoli, and grilled chicken breast on a bed of seven whole grains that are flavored with a lemongrass-coconut sauce -- this meal smells almost as good as it tastes.
300 calories, 8 grams fat (4 grams saturated), 38 grams carbohydrate, 680 milligrams sodium, 7 grams fiber, 18 grams protein

One more thing that's great about these freezer finds: Avoiding saturated and trans fats can make your RealAge up to 4 years younger.

Trying to lose weight? Incorporating these frozen meals into your diet could help you shed pounds. Here’s how.

Permalink : Comments (105)

Comments

After a car accident, in which I could hardly move, much less stand & cook, I bought Fred Meyer's mixtures of vegies in the frozen food section. Put 1/4 cup of water in a coffee mug with 1 tsp. of MSG free chicken or beef bouillon, filled the cup with the frozen vegies. I like the one called Garden Blend. A stir fry with asparagus. It has asparagus, carrots, Green Beans, cauliflower, squash, celery, onions, mushrooms in it. My husband also bought cooked fresh roasted rotisserie chicken for me. I could sit at the table & cut some to put in my soup. I lightly salted the vegies,put the chicken in, cover it with a glass lid & micro cooked it about 3 min. or less, depending on your micro. My husband hard cooked eggs for me, so I could have 1 for breakfast. Then I had the vegies for lunch & supper. I was afraid I would gain weight with not being able to move much for months. I did not gain weight & even the grandkids like it. I still fix it for a quick lunch. Very tasty & none of the garbage or too much salt in it.
Darlene in Or.

Posted by: Darlene | June 01, 2008 at 07:02 PM

I really appreciated the suggestions. The "Butternut Squash Ravioli" sounds yummy.

Thank you again for the suggestions.

Posted by: Pamela Van Zee | April 18, 2008 at 07:05 PM

Thanks for the idea Berndt....diabetics (or other people who love flavour, lol) microwave/roast a sweet potato instead of a spud, ready for stuffing....
I can't believe I've never thought of that before!
I'll definitely be using that idea. Thanks again.

Posted by: Beverley | April 06, 2008 at 09:46 PM

I keep several of these frozen 'entrees' in my freezers (though I consider them meals. Of course they're not meant for regular use, but are fantastic for emergency meals. I wouldn't eat fast food garbage anyway, and Maccas are the worst!

Gluten free alternative.....try keeping some rice vermicelli on hand. Pour boiling water on one block/portion of dried rice vermicelli noodles; while they are soaking, cook a mixture of frozen vegies in the microwave. Pull some leftover chicken (if you eat it, otherwise chop a little silken/firm tofu, or a tiny can of beans - I like mixed) out of your freezer, add to vegies. Then add a small amount of your favourite sauce (mine is Hoi Sin sauce). Drain the noodles and add to your bowl...almost instant dinner, gluten free (niece is coeliac), good for diabetics (I am), good for cholesterol prob's (hubby is), good for fitness fanatics (son is). All the protein alternatives can be given to individuals in the household.
Don't have leftover chicken? Pick up a roast chicken or two from the shop, take off the skin, chop however you like it, use what you want, freeze the rest into individual portions; then you'll always have 'leftover' to use.....none left at the shop because you're too late at night? Pick up a fresh chicken and throw it in a cooking bag, throw in the microwave and you'll have hot roast chicken in 30 mins. Add salt, pepper and paprika IF YOU LIKE THEM...OTHERWISE LEAVE OFF!
Pull off the skin people...and don't give it to the dogs to give them heart attacks; throw it in the BIN.

And....if you don't like any of my suggestions, just don't use them!!! Don't bother to complain to me, because I want to help those who want it, not those who want to whinge....life's too short to listen.

Enjoy, people! lol

Posted by: Beverley | April 06, 2008 at 09:37 PM

I keep several of these frozen 'entrees' in my freezers (though I consider them meals. Of course they're not meant for regular use, but are fantastic for emergency meals. I wouldn't eat fast food garbage anyway, and Maccas are the worst!

Gluten free alternative.....try keeping some rice vermicelli on hand. Pour boiling water on one block/portion of dried rice vermicelli noodles; while they are soaking, cook a mixture of frozen vegies in the microwave. Pull some leftover chicken (if you eat it, otherwise chop a little silken/firm tofu, or a tiny can of beans - I like mixed) out of your freezer, add to vegies. Then add a small amount of your favourite sauce (mine is Hoi Sin sauce). Drain the noodles and add to your bowl...almost instant dinner, gluten free (niece is coeliac), good for diabetics (I am), good for cholesterol prob's (hubby is), good for fitness fanatics (son is). All the protein alternatives can be given to individuals in the household.
Don't have leftover chicken? Pick up a roast chicken or two from the shop, take off the skin, chop however you like it, use what you want, freeze the rest into individual portions; then you'll always have 'leftover' to use.....none left at the shop because you're too late at night? Pick up a fresh chicken and throw it in a cooking bag, throw in the microwave and you'll have hot roast chicken in 30 mins. Add salt, pepper and paprika IF YOU LIKE THEM...OTHERWISE LEAVE OFF!
Pull off the skin people...and don't give it to the dogs to give them heart attacks; throw it in the BIN.

And....if you don't like any of my suggestions, just don't use them!!! Don't bother to complain to me, because I want to help those who want it, not those who want to whinge....life's too short to listen.

Enjoy, people! lol

Posted by: Beverley | April 06, 2008 at 09:35 PM

The 8 frozen food entrees are better suited for people with Type A Blood.... Type O Blood people do better with more meat and little or no grains.

Posted by: Ellen B | April 06, 2008 at 04:22 AM

OOo yah.... I forgot to mention Amy's new breakfast bowls in steel cut oats. Verrryy good tasting n 4 u!!no dairyy!

Posted by: Casey Ryan | March 31, 2008 at 08:44 PM

While on a lunch break I discovered a wonderful frozen meal, Healthy Choice's Cafe Steamers line Beef Merlot. It is so good... The veggies r crunchy and the beef is completely edible. This is coming from a very weery frozen food eater.lol Another good one is smart ones thai peanut rice noodles.. (I throw out the chicken tho) For you gluten intolerant people I think these r okay... Check me on it tho!
If you have any non dairy choices Id appreciate it!! Thanks

Posted by: Casey Ryan | March 31, 2008 at 08:40 PM

I love the convenience of prepared meals for lunchtime at the office. I just never seem to have time to put together a sandwich in the morning, and even salads are expensive at the local deli. However, I cringe at all the plastic and other non-eco-friendly packaging the producers use. What brands have a "green" outlook?

Posted by: bitsy lee | March 31, 2008 at 06:51 PM

I can't believe that you are recomending this meal when they are so high in sodium and carbs. This is a terrible advice!

Posted by: Indiana A. GOmez | March 30, 2008 at 06:05 PM

To Ruth who can't eat wheat: I recently discovered "Amy's Brown Rice and Vegetables Bowl" because I am on a No Dairy, Wheat, Sugar or Pork diet for a while to try and combat my recent onset of rheumatoid arthritis. My Dr., a chiropractor, suggested this. I think the culprit in my case is probably sugar. But anyway, this "bowl" is surprisingly good and contains tofu which seems to help decrease my ridiculous number of hot flashes...I average at least a dozen in a 24 hour period! There really aren't many ready-to-eat foods out there that don't contain wheat.

Posted by: Nelle | March 30, 2008 at 12:12 PM

how about some quick frozen entrees for us gluten intolerant folks who cannot eat pasta?

Posted by: Daphne Stevens | March 29, 2008 at 08:24 AM

Wow, these are very high in carbs! Can you recomend any frozen entrees that are low fat AND low carb?

Posted by: Terri Haag | March 28, 2008 at 12:05 PM

The sodium content in these frozen dinners are way too high. How can you recommend them?

Posted by: Nancy | March 28, 2008 at 07:15 AM

Obviously not for everyone (and not available in my country anyway). I prefer real food, but hey, not everyone has the time or inclination to cook every day and this is useful for those who need a quick meal. Would be useful to have the glycaemic index measure for diabetics.

Posted by: Judith | March 28, 2008 at 04:08 AM

I think Real Age does a FANTASTIC job at researching frozen foods, etc., than I just don't have the time for. It's different when you are a senior - you have time to either go online and find things out or shop store by store, but having a guideline to GOOD frozen foods is a GOD send to me, and I hope you won't let any nay-sayers change your minds! You do good work.

Posted by: Sharon Dunford | March 26, 2008 at 09:33 PM

Bernd -- Someone is pressuring food companies. Join the fight at www.cspinet.org

Posted by: Lisa C | March 26, 2008 at 02:07 PM

hi

Posted by: ban | March 26, 2008 at 11:29 AM

Thank you to Real Age for giving convenient, healthy suggestions for the masses and those that appreciate it. Of course you can never please all the people all the time - but suggestions for busy moms/families to use on occasion is very helpful. I follow weight watchers and have reached my lifetime goal - and do, on occasion, need something "in a pinch" and these are wonderful suggestions. I cannot WAIT to try the butternut squash ravioli - I have not seen it at our Stop and Shop. Thanks Real Age - I really enjoy your newsletter.

Posted by: Kim Carlin | March 26, 2008 at 07:51 AM

I too am a diabetic and I still purchase a lot of Lean Cuisine and Smart Ones. I live in a small town in East Texas and our stores have never even heard of Cedarcreek, Seeds of Change and 50% of Kashi products. We have gotten maybe 4 or 5 of Amy's products. I find that if I eat a healthy breakfast and a frozen meal for lunch, I am more likely to continue trying at dinner. My weight has gone from 600+ to 365 this way. My dr doesn't care for the idea of the sodium products but he likes the fact that I have finally found a system that works for me. Lean Cuisine will send you a print out that details the exchanges their meals are worth and I incorporate it into my plan along with fruit and milk. It may not be the best plan but it works for me.

Posted by: Linda Gale Lamb | March 26, 2008 at 12:45 AM

I love the Lean Cusine Southwest chicken panini!!! Very quick and easy! Funny - I used to be so proud of myself for NEVER using the salt shaker on anything...I know I get enough sodium in the foods I eat. So I thought I was doing so good..my BP is always normal..well now I Have this Vasovagal thing and my Dr said I should actually increase my salt intake...Go figure!

Posted by: Jodi | March 25, 2008 at 07:52 PM

These frozen entrees are the ULTIMATE in convenience and could mean success in a weight-loss plan for this very reason. How many times have you stepped aside from your diet just because you didn't have anything "healthy" available on hand? Same thing about portion sizes... how many times have you finished an entire bowl of food just because it WAS on hand? Or because you were tired of eating the same stuff? Well, variety is definitely not an issue - btw, you don't ned to limit yourself to the examples presented in the article.
Some posters frown upon the high sodium in some of the dishes and that's true; but some of us don't have to watch sodium intake and this makes Stouffer's LEAN CUISINE, ConAgra Foods' HEALTHY CHOICE and other similar lines a PERFECT way to lose weight.

Posted by: Felix | March 25, 2008 at 12:11 PM

I agree with the comments about sodium. Safeway is on top of that,however. Their Eating Right brand is similar to the Lean Cuisine but with much less sodium. Most are 550 or lower. Just read the labels carefully because there are some that are higher. If you buy them on sale they are not very expensive and are life savers on a busy day.

Posted by: Gordon | March 25, 2008 at 10:05 AM

Thank you so much for the list. We all know that ANY frozen processed foods are not the best choices but I find having a couple in the freezer when the starving teen walks through the door and needs to grab something before heading out to work or I've been running all day and would much rather run through a drive through than to come home and fix something before I faint away from hunger has saved me and my family more than once from making a far worse choice than a frozen Lean entree. Thanks again Drs. for posting a list of the better ones to look for. I've personally tried the butternut squash ravioli...yummy.

Posted by: Cindy | March 25, 2008 at 07:44 AM

I'm almost 68 and like most I have some limitations. I have recognized them and live within them. I am very comfortable and happy. I take NO over the counter drugs, living with some discomfort from time to time. This allows my immune system to do what nature intended. However I do have a lack of patience with the "Paranoid Hypochondriacs" that constantly complain about everything. Just because this article was not directed specifically for you doesn't mean that there aren't millions of us who think the article is great and beneficial. Stop complaining, you might just feel better with an attitude adjustment.justjerry.thegeezer

Posted by: justjerry | March 25, 2008 at 05:38 AM

love lean cuisine entrees...yes they may have a bit of salt, but within the context of the article-passing up fast food or restaurant favorites, there is no comparison. my favorite junk food was a double swiss cheeseburger and small fries at mac's so for me, two or even three dollars for one of these entrees is reasonable. they are delicious and satisfying, especially the panini, yummy!

Posted by: chacha | March 24, 2008 at 10:16 PM

love lean cuisine entrees...yes they may have a bit of salt, but within the context of the article-passing up fast food or restaurant favorites, there is no comparison. my favorite junk food was a double swiss cheeseburger and small fries at mac's so for me, two or even three dollars for one of these entrees is reasonable. they are delicious and satisfying, especially the panini, yummy!

Posted by: chacha | March 24, 2008 at 10:16 PM

no way will I even try these....too much like JUNK food---look at all the SALT(SODIUM) and SUGAR!!!
Why doesn't RealAge suggest REAL fruit or home-steamed vegetables with a little cheese and a tiny shake of salt & pepper.
Realage? Right; just Consume, consume, consume!(these brand names)....! more corporate greed....

Posted by: lois | March 24, 2008 at 09:39 PM

Salt is always a problem. The makers use it to compete with the others with sauces. SOMEone should pressure Health Food companies. I agree with this writer, named lynne:
"I would not buy any of these either
to much salt,sugar and another thing they are quite costly.
What is wrong with a good baked
spud with broccoli or in fact any good green veggie,I realize that spuds are not good for diabetics.
because of the sugar content.I am a senior and as I watch other fellow seniors trying to shop with less money every day I see many that buy foods that will end up making their conditions worse.

Posted by: lynne | March 24, 2008 at 05:04 AM "
AMEN - - - AND A MICROWAVED SWEET POTATO IS SO EASY.

Posted by: Bernd | March 24, 2008 at 08:27 PM

Since these are suggestions about what to do when in a pinch, not general recommendations for everyday eating, these sound great.

Unless you have high blood pressure or some other issue, you are just fine eating that much sodium in one meal. You can have around 2,400 mg per day, so most of these meals do not even provide 1/3 of the daily alotment. Just watch it at other meals if you feel the need. Sodium is an electrolyte and mineral that helps keep your body in balance, not a poison, so relax a little and enjoy some food.

Posted by: LMS | March 24, 2008 at 08:05 PM

There is too much sodium in each of the selections. Do you have suggestions with less sodium? I see that I am not the only one with this observation.

Posted by: D. Baer | March 24, 2008 at 06:13 PM

Look, the RealAge material is aimed at everyone, not only people with specific disorders. For folks like me that have a disorder such as Type I diabetes, or something else like a food allergy, you will need to determine if the information provided is useful to your specific condition. Even among diabetics, carb allowances vary widely due to individual needs. That's why it's also important to talk to your Dr. or specialist and also refer to sites/groups that address your specific health and dietary issues.

Posted by: ellen | March 24, 2008 at 04:22 PM

JC: carbs will not put a diabetic in the hospital, UNLESS the diabetic does not follow his or her meal plan and medication regimen. Even diabetics should get half to two-thirds of their calories from carbs. If you are diabetic, find a good endocrinologist and listen to him or her.

Posted by: ellen | March 24, 2008 at 04:14 PM

I'm trying to eliminate all wheat and, so far, my stomach feels so much better. I'm also blood type O, so am trying to cut way back on dairy these last 4 days. I love cheeses and sour cream, so this is so hard. Any suggestions for quick, easy and good-tasting entrees (frozen will be fine. I don't like to cook!)?

Posted by: Lynanne Guynn | March 24, 2008 at 03:32 PM

Oh my Gosh, see all the sodium. My doctor would kill me

Posted by: Jude Lind | March 24, 2008 at 03:28 PM

I'm trying to eliminate all wheat and, so far, my stomach feels so much better. I'm also blood type O, so am trying to cut way back on dairy these last 4 days. I love cheeses and sour cream, so this is so hard. Any suggestions for quick, easy and good-tasting entrees (frozen will be fine. I don't like to cook!)?

Posted by: Lynanne Guynn | March 24, 2008 at 03:24 PM

I love reading about these Lean Cuisine foods and I will go tomorrow morning and buy each one! 2 apiece for starters-

I printed it out so I won't make any mistakes!!!11
Thanks--Terrific!
I'll probably dream about them tonight!

Posted by: June Berliner | March 24, 2008 at 02:44 PM

I love reading about these Lean Cuisine foods and I will go tomorrow morning and buy each one! 2 apiece for starters-

I printed it out so I won't make any mistakes!!!11
Thanks--Terrific!
I'll probably dream about them tonight!

Posted by: June Berliner | March 24, 2008 at 02:44 PM

I love reading about these Lean Cuisine foods and I will go tomorrow morning and buy each one! 2 apiece for starters-

I printed it out so I won't make any mistakes!!!11
Thanks--Terrific!
I'll probably dream about them tonight!

Posted by: June Berliner | March 24, 2008 at 02:44 PM

I love reading about these Lean Cuisine foods and I will go tomorrow morning and buy each one! 2 apiece for starters-

I printed it out so I won't make any mistakes!!!11
Thanks--Terrific!
I'll probably dream about them tonight!

Posted by: June Berliner | March 24, 2008 at 02:44 PM

I love the bnut squash ravioli from lean cuisine. I'm a picky eater and not many frozen foods appeal to me cause they are loaded w/either things I don't like or rubbery stuff. Trader Joe's and Amy's both have Gluten Free frozen meals, as does Cedarlane. You just have to read the packages for the GF designation. my husband is gf along w/no dairy, soy, onions, etc, so it's a struggle to find ANY frozen stuff for him---even the GF waffles have Soy lecithin in them or egg or yeast, Food allergies are a struggle, but you have to just find alternatives. Shop at Whole Foods or Trader joe's for the best selection of safe allergy free frozen stuff. Most main grocery stores won't carry much, if any.

Posted by: lisa | March 24, 2008 at 02:05 PM

I'll preface this by saying I *did* read the article and look at the list. Anybody who thinks all frozen meals are horrible hasn't eaten any lately, and BTW, not everybody has salt issues. My husband's nutritionist likes Healthy Choice and Smart Ones, so I get these for him to have for lunch at work. I myself am doing the low carb diet, so many of the suggestions in these articles are rather useless for me (I'm allergic to most starches). I gather RealAge is all about low fat diets with no allowance or consideration for people who might be on other kinds of diets (and the fact that, for *them*, staying on these diets is what lowers their "RealAge"). You should bear that in mind when you all read these articles. BTW, I love the lemongrass/coconut Kashi, but some other Kashi products taste terrible to me. Everybody will have a different experience, I think.

Posted by: Gamin Davis | March 24, 2008 at 01:54 PM

Cedarlane makes really delicious entrees and are full of super nutrients. We love the eggplant mousaka and eggplant parmesian.

Posted by: Margaret Fulton | March 24, 2008 at 01:44 PM

I really enjoy having a quick-fix option, and that is what these frozen meals are for. I work in excess of 9 hours a day, and so does my husband. While we do not eat them everyday, in order to make time for the necessary exercise, it's nice to have that option. I love most of the SmartOnes out there.

Posted by: Kathy Ferguson | March 24, 2008 at 01:17 PM

Every night I was cooking 2 meals.Frozen entrees have been a blessing. I am glad that someone is looking out for a segment of the population that needs alternatives sometimes.I know how to make choices when information is presented to me as I am sure most of you are also able to do. There are many programs and the majority of what Real Age writes devotes itself to good choice for generally everyone.I am thankful for any suggestions I get. I have 2 hereditary digestive disorders and my only issues are fat and portion size. Salt is fine. I wouldn't serve frozen dinners to guests or my family, but for me, they are good. Don't say that you don't like them unless you have tried them.

Posted by: Liana M Turner | March 24, 2008 at 11:53 AM

Ouch, Embarrased4U!... I chuckled when I read your post. Seems as if you may be the onee with the high stress level and anger managment issues. Sheesh. It's only a message board and folks posting their comments. And why would you care if some people weren't aware enough to read the article before posting? Good grief.

Posted by: Vicki  | March 24, 2008 at 11:48 AM

anyone know anyhting healthy wihtout soy beef/dairy or chicken, preservatives or mushrooms/yeast?

migraine and allergy people need choices too, but here don't seem to be any!

Posted by: macdoodle | March 24, 2008 at 11:33 AM

I have celiac so these are off limits for me.
Processed food isn't good for anyone, regardless of allergies etc.
I think it is great that we can still complain if we choose to or don't agree with someone else's point of view.

Posted by: mlouhawk | March 24, 2008 at 11:26 AM

This is great but should include cholesterol counts.

Posted by: Cheryl | March 24, 2008 at 11:25 AM

do some of you even read the article before making coments on it? It was about a healthier alternative to fast food. It wasn't about "Eat these all the time to be healthy" If you were a diebetic or a high blood pressure patient- you wouldn't be at the drive-thru anyway. So basically- this article was not for you and your comments just make you sound a little bonkers. There have been many other articles in the past which may be more geared for your particular problems. Chill out before your stress level over a health article causes your blood pressure to rise and you stroke out.

Posted by: embarassed4u | March 24, 2008 at 11:02 AM

Thank you for these information but here in our country there are many things that we can't find

Posted by: Maysaa | March 24, 2008 at 10:58 AM

Remember we all make choices, and you do not have to eat these frozen entrees. But how about those people who habitually eat fast food and do not follow good eating eating habits? Is this not a better choice for them? A lean cuisine instead of fries and a burger? It's a step in the right direction.....

Posted by: sheila | March 24, 2008 at 10:41 AM

Kashi is by far the best healthy frozen food I have ever eaten. Every single variety the sell is healthy and absolutely delicious!

Posted by: Donna Bodony | March 24, 2008 at 10:28 AM

Kashi is by far the best healthy frozen food I have ever eaten. Every single variety the sell is healthy and absolutely delicious!

Posted by: Donna Bodony | March 24, 2008 at 10:28 AM

I use to by Lean Cusine, but it they are loaded with salt, and every thing they have is covered with either cheese or a creamy sauce. Health Choice on the out side tell youhow much salt, fat and you know before with out having to read all of the fine print. None of the one you listed sound good and I don't think they are good for one with high blood pressure and other heart problems.
But like all the people puting out stuff everything has to have cheese on it, the dairy induatry has really sold the public on a bill of good as how good dairy is for you, it is loaded with fat, which ends up causing heart problems then you go out and but those over price pill for cholestrol. Why don't you find some real good healthy food.

Posted by: Jack | March 24, 2008 at 10:23 AM

Glad I'm not in a rush most days! They all sound nasty and most of them are so loaded with carbs they'd almost put a diabetic in the hospital!

Posted by: JC | March 24, 2008 at 09:50 AM

Some of the suggested frozen meals are really yummy, but I have issues with those sneaky ingredients that we as consumers are not too sure what they are. I believe that Kashi, Amy's, Seeds of Change and CedarLane are the best way to go. I strongly believe that we should not be putting foreign substances, man-made ingredients into our body. I love any of the frozen entrees that can say 'all natural' and mean it!

Posted by: ParadisePorter | March 24, 2008 at 09:35 AM

I like Safeway's Eating Right frozen dinners. They seem to be as healthy as any I've found.

Posted by: Don | March 24, 2008 at 09:16 AM

I like Safeway's Eating Right frozen dinners. They seem to be as healthy as any I've found.

Posted by: Don | March 24, 2008 at 09:14 AM

salt/sodium is only bad for less than 25% of the population!!!!! most folks just pass it through there system. if one is active and doesn't have high bp or heart disease, the salt probably won't hurt. why is everyone is so sodium crazy when only a small portion of folks have problems with salt? relax and enjoy the flavor. there are many things that are worse than salt that one should be concerned about in our daily diet.

Posted by: king-kelly | March 24, 2008 at 09:01 AM

great advice for folks who on a "path" for wellness. This site will at least give the best of the worst. give Oz and Roizen a break, some people are not on the real food health pat as of yet but, wait this information the best of the worst frozen meals works for some people. get those Doc's off the pedistal...they know first hand a paradigm shift won't work for most people.

Posted by: PoPO  | March 24, 2008 at 09:00 AM

Why not cover yourself by including such comments in your articles - not for those with high BP or diabetes. Wow! Those carbs! My BGs would be off the charts.

Posted by: Gwen | March 24, 2008 at 08:48 AM

When I first scanned the list, I thought they all looked pretty good! Then I read the ingredients, and my list was down to 2 because of allergies, reactions, etc. I understand that this is a reference guide, not a list of commandments. I'm not complaining, just getting ideas of new food combos to make for myself without the stuff I can't have. Keep up the good work!

Posted by: Marie | March 24, 2008 at 08:46 AM

Good Grief People, lighten up! It's a SUGGESTION for when you're in a pinch and want to avoid the fast food drive thru's (talk about sodium most of those have 1200 - 1500 mgs!) I appreciated the suggestions. And quit acting like they should take each and every person with each and every afflication into consideration before making a suggestion for the masses. If you have a particular disease then YOU need to watch out for content of EVERYTHING and make an informed decision. Where is everyone's common sense??

Posted by: Elaine | March 24, 2008 at 08:45 AM

Who's your sponsor, Nestle? Have your author look at Healthy Choice. If you're looking for Healthy Frozen Food that's your best choice!

Posted by: Dave | March 24, 2008 at 08:28 AM

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Posted by: Sandra | March 24, 2008 at 08:26 AM

I agree with Judy!! Read the article. Decide if it applies to you. If not, move on. Don't complain. There are frozen foods out there that can be had for your specific needs. You just need to read the labels. Everybody has different tastes. What may taste yummy to me, may not to you.

Posted by: Susan | March 24, 2008 at 08:17 AM

The Lean Cuisine Butternut Squash Ravioli is one of the best frozen entrees I have ever tasted.

Posted by: Kristen | March 24, 2008 at 08:13 AM

Wow, things sure got stirred up over the frozen/fast food issue. I have tried some frozen entrees & find all to be unacceptable. Too much sodium for sure but mainly no taste, mushy vegetables & mystery meat. Cooking from scratch may sound time consuming but it is not really. Vegetables cook quickly, pasta is quite fast. Cook double amount of brown rice & refrigerate or freeze for another quick meal. Cook double everything & make your own frozen dinners for quick suppers.

Posted by: DeLane | March 24, 2008 at 08:10 AM

RealAge is like an agent of the food industry, pushing UNhealthy foods at us, hidden chemicals, tons of salt etc. I come to this site to see what NOT to do. Teach people they need a Junk-Food Fix, you have got to be kidding.

Posted by: consider8 | March 24, 2008 at 07:47 AM

Sure you will lose weight. Who can eat those vile things and servive?

Posted by: Len Skuta | March 24, 2008 at 07:42 AM

Sure you will lose weight. Who can eat those vile things and servive?

Posted by: Len Skuta | March 24, 2008 at 07:42 AM

Amy's has gluten free and low sodium for those that need those types of meals. Kashi, Amy's, Seeds of Change and CedarLane are the healthiest in the store by far. They have way less chemicals and are a natural pick for me. Eating light with a ton of chemicals is not the way to go for me. I read labels.

I cant believe a respected site like this would suggest Lean Cuisine or Smart Ones, with all the junk in them. Eating those products are not healthy, smart or a pick for my family.

Posted by: DariaAnn | March 24, 2008 at 07:26 AM

Sandy,

If you highlight the text, you can click "File, Print" and then choose the option for print selected text instead of all. Or you can copy and paste into a word document for example and then print.

And I agree on the sodium. Truly amazing how much sodium is used and is unnecessary, especially for frozen food.

In Canada I find we are limited more than those in the US. Mind you, I also look at price and I usually end up with Michelina's healthier ones and only as emergency.

Posted by: Arindana | March 24, 2008 at 07:17 AM

For a lower sodium option, look at some of the Healthy Choice and Southbeach Living entrees. They have a wide variety (I love the Southbeach pizzas!) and help you keep sodium intake lower. I agree that these processed foods should be a time-constrained go-to and not a frequent thing!

Posted by: ginger | March 24, 2008 at 07:15 AM

I've tried all the vegetarian entrees mentioned here except the panini. I'll be trying that soon. They have all tasted great! I try to eat only 1 frozen entree per day for my sodium to be under 2300. I'm a vegetarian and am surprised at how many companies have sprung up over the last year for vegetarian foods : )

Posted by: R. boncorddo | March 24, 2008 at 07:10 AM

WHY SO MUCH SODIUM????? Soidum causes high blood pressure and heart problems. It is not necessary to put so much sodium into processed foods. I freeze food all the time without ANY sodium. It tastes just great. I am very healthy and am 71 years old.

Posted by: Betty | March 24, 2008 at 07:03 AM

This section should have a printable option. Good Information and I sometimes like to print it.

Posted by: Sandy Rackham | March 24, 2008 at 06:57 AM

This section should have a printable option. Good Information and I sometimes like to print it.

Posted by: Sandy Rackham | March 24, 2008 at 06:57 AM

It says "When You Need a Fast-Food Fix". They don't mean EVERY day, EVERY meal, and they don't guarantee every one of us is going to like and/or be able to eat every one of these. But for someone who has Tuesdays to deal with (leave work at six, head to the school, attend the Girl Scout meeting, head home at eight for homework, dinner, dishes, showers...all at a break-neck pace), pulling one of these out of the freezer is a better option than a Biggie-Sized McDonald's Heart Attack. At least one day a week (and more during soccer season), I don't have time to bake a potato. These aren't the best choices when my choices are limitless, but on a day when it's either a) bad or b) worse, these make the best of the time I don't have.

Posted by: Laurelei | March 24, 2008 at 06:47 AM

Are there any that don't have killer sodium levels? One dill pickle has more than my allowable allotment of sodium per day.

Posted by: Barb Votrobeck | March 24, 2008 at 06:44 AM

Any suggestions for the gluten intolerant among us?

Posted by: Bonnie Meyer | March 24, 2008 at 06:40 AM

I always keep a couple of those panini in my freezer to grab for lunch if I haven't made anything up the night before. They are really good! Even my husband will eat them, and he is not a frozen-diet-meal kinda guy. Obviously, these are not the most ideal foods for every day consumption, but that is not what the article is about.

Posted by: Lynette | March 24, 2008 at 06:14 AM

THe KASHI products are the best on the list! I have tried everyone I can find and think for $3.00, they provide great taste, fresh and appealing texture and terrific fiber. I have even passed the lemongrass chicken off as homemade! My husband is picky but will eat what smells and looks good. He loves the Kashi everytime I "make" one! Try them all!. I had to ask for them at my market, but with the competition for stores so tight, they were happy to oblige.

Posted by: M>E> | March 24, 2008 at 06:07 AM

I don't believe these suggestions were aimed at people with specific health problems. Lighten up people they're just making suggestions for a healthy alternative to fast food. If you have health problems I'm sure you wouldn't eat fast food or processed food anyway!

Posted by: Amy | March 24, 2008 at 06:07 AM

I am a widow and no longer interested in cooking or baking so I keep my freezer full of these easy to use dinners. Some fruit for dessert and some salad makes me happy.

Posted by: Iris Utley | March 24, 2008 at 06:05 AM

I'm so sorry about all the complaining. Most of us are adults who read these articles (key word being "read") and can make reasonably intelligent choices about whether it applies to us or not. I appreciate any advice I can get and will decide whether it will work for me. Anything has to be better healthwise than a fast-food burger/fries/coke. You complainers should get a life.

Posted by: JudyII | March 24, 2008 at 05:50 AM

I think the recommendations are good but agree that some of them are too high in sodium content. I often buy the Lean Cuisine entrees because it is easy to control my eating that way. They are now (finally) coming out with products made from whole wheat. I wish all of the frozen diet entrees at the store were - oh well, at least progress is being made.

Posted by: Cyndi | March 24, 2008 at 05:43 AM

Thank you very much for this Food Bite. A lot of us would love to make all of our meals from scratch, but there are times when life is difficult and we are in a situation where we aren't able to. Unfortunately a lot of these suggestions aren't available where I live.

Posted by: Maureen Baird | March 24, 2008 at 05:41 AM

I started this year off determined to get healthier, especially regarding what I was eating because of not enough time to cook! I have tried quite a few of the items you mentioned. Actually, my freezer is stocked with these and other similar meals. I lost 11 lbs in no time and I feel so much better. For those who need gluten free foods some of Amy's brand and some Cedarlane have gluten free products.....enjoy.

Posted by: Vicki | March 24, 2008 at 05:34 AM

I think these food options are horrible. I would never advocate the use of a microwave as it destroys the molecular structure of your food and robs it of vital nutrients. Most of those frozen entrees are probably devoid of nutrients to begin with.

Posted by: David | March 24, 2008 at 05:23 AM

How can you recommend these products and how can you say they are healty? The sodium (salt) levels are off the chart. The chicken is too soft almost like oatmeal after it has been heated--there is no chicken taste at all. Folks you are better off making these very simple dishes yourself and save some money as well.
June

Posted by: June Bolling Thomas | March 24, 2008 at 05:14 AM

I love the RealAge Food Bite section. Alot of helpful, healthy foods to add to my diet. RealAge web site has been of tremendous help in getting my health where it should be. Thanks much to Drs. Oz & Roizen.
Sincerely,
Jane

Posted by: Jane | March 24, 2008 at 05:14 AM

I would not buy any of these either
to much salt,sugar and another thing they are quite costly.
What is wrong with a good baked
spud with broccoli or in fact any good green veggie,I realize that spuds are not good for diabetics.
because of the sugar content.I am a senior and as I watch other fellow seniors trying to shop with less money every day I see many that buy foods that will end up making their conditions worse.

Posted by: lynne | March 24, 2008 at 05:04 AM

Thanks for including several vegetarian choices!

Posted by: Ron Broussard | March 24, 2008 at 05:03 AM