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.

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

Thank you again for the suggestions.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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?

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

hi

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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....

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!)?

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

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!)?

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

This is great but should include cholesterol counts.

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.