Frozen foods offer unparalleled convenience and cater to a diverse range of taste preferences. These meals and snacks not only reduce food spoilage and waste but also make it effortless to maintain a healthy diet. However, it's important to recognize that not all frozen foods are created equal. Amidst the extensive array of options available today, you'll encounter varying nutrient profiles, calorie counts, ingredient lists, and portion sizes when perusing the frozen food aisle during your next grocery run. Navigating this abundance can be challenging, which is why we're here to highlight ten frozen food items that can potentially contribute to weight gain.
When selecting frozen foods for yourself, it's crucial to consider your specific nutritional requirements. While certain meals are designed to be low in calories for those aiming to shed pounds, others may exceed 700 calories per serving. This considerable calorie discrepancy is also evident in frozen snack foods. Furthermore, protein content varies significantly among frozen meals. Opting for options that offer over 20 grams of protein per serving not only helps meet your daily needs but also promotes post-meal satiety. Lastly, it's essential to be mindful of sodium levels. Frozen foods often contain high amounts of sodium, which can contribute to water retention and hypertension. Therefore, it's wise to choose options that align with your sodium intake goals.
Relying solely on convenience and taste preferences when choosing frozen foods may hinder your weight loss efforts. While pancake-wrapped sausages may be tantalizing, it's important to note that certain popular frozen meals could actually contribute to weight gain. The culprits? Foods that boast excessive calories per serving and substantial amounts of fat, sugar, and sodium. If you frequently indulge in frozen foods and have observed an unwelcome increase on the scale, be aware of these ten particularly troublesome options that have the potential to undermine your weight management goals.
1) Blueberry Pancakes and Sausage On a Stick
Per 1 Serving (1 Pancake N Sausage): 260 calories, 16 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 400 mg sodium, 23 g carb (1 g fiber, 10 g total sugars), 6 g protein
Beware of the Deceptive Blueberries: While this particular food may seem innocent with its blueberries, it contains a significant amount of fat and sugar packed into a small package. Moreover, it is often enjoyed with syrup, adding even more sugar to an already sweetened food.
Although 260 calories may not appear excessive for a snack or meal, the composition of these calories is far from ideal. Added sugar, which offers little in terms of vitamins, minerals, fiber, or protein, contributes empty calories. Furthermore, the added sugar in this food can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, potentially resulting in weight gain and serious health issues. Additionally, with a mere 6 grams of protein, this food falls short as a satisfying meal.
A Better Alternative: Morning Star Farms Incogmeato® Plant-Based Pancake and Sausage On a Stick
Opt for a waistline-friendly choice with nearly half the calories. This alternative contains only 7 grams of added sugar and provides an additional 3 grams of protein per serving (9 grams in total), making it a superior option. Moreover, it is crafted with plant-based meat, accommodating a wider range of dietary preferences.
2) FlaVorIce Pops
Per 1 Serving (4 pops): 90 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 15 mg sodium, 22 g carb (21 g total sugars), 0 g protein
A beloved summer delicacy from childhood, these popsicles have earned their reputation for flavor rather than their nutritional value. While not all treats need to be nutritious, consuming these pops on a regular basis could contribute to weight gain. Their calorie content is derived entirely from sugar, rendering them a significant source of empty calories. Although the calorie count per pop may seem low, foods high in refined carbohydrates can hinder satiety and potentially lead to overeating, resulting in weight gain.
A Superior Alternative: Sweet Nothings Squeezable Smoothies
Discover a more wholesome choice in the frozen aisle of your local grocery store. Sweet Nothings Squeezable Smoothies contain zero grams of added sugar and can be enjoyed frozen or thawed. These smoothies feature organic fruits, vegetables, and ground chia seeds as key ingredients, offering satiating fiber that keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Embrace this option as a satisfying and nourishing alternative.
3) Häagen-Dazs Caramel Cone Ice Cream Bars
Per 1 Serving (1 bar): 260 calories, 17 g fat (12 g saturated fat), 90 mg sodium, 24 g carb (<1 g fiber, 16 g added sugar), 3 g protein
While undeniably delicious and creamy, Häagen-Dazs bars fall into the category of worst frozen foods that can lead to weight gain. Not only are they loaded with fat and sugar, but the majority of the fat is saturated—a concerning type of fat that research suggests can adversely affect cardiovascular health. Consequently, these bars not only contribute to calorie intake and potential weight gain but may also have negative implications for overall well-being.
A Superior Alternative: Yasso Sea Salt Caramel Bars
Discover a more favorable choice with Yasso Sea Salt Caramel Bars. These frozen Greek yogurt bars offer a mere 100 calories per serving, making them a more reasonable fit within your calorie goals. While they do contain some added sugar, they only provide 1 gram of fat compared to the 17 grams found in the Häagen-Dazs bars, positioning them as a healthier overall option.
4) Red Baron Fully Loaded Pepperoni Pizza
Per 1 Serving (1/6 pizza): 380 calories, 19 g fat (9 g saturated fat), 680 mg sodium, 37 g carb (2 g fiber, 1 g added sugar), 15 g protein
With nearly 400 calories per serving, which accounts for just 1/6 of the pie, this particular pizza becomes a highly concentrated source of calories. While it does offer an adequate amount of protein for a meal, a single serving supplies over 25% of your daily sodium requirement. Let's face it: Many individuals are likely to consume more than one serving in a sitting. High-calorie meals can effortlessly push you into a surplus of calories for the day, potentially leading to weight gain.
A Superior Alternative: Milton's Thin & Crispy Cauliflower Crust Roasted Vegetable Pizza
Opt for a more sensible choice with Milton's Thin & Crispy Cauliflower Crust Roasted Vegetable Pizza. A quarter of this pizza amounts to only 230 calories, while still providing 2 grams of fiber and 12 grams of protein. This alternative presents a much more reasonable option, enabling you to complement the meal with other nutrient-dense foods. Consider pairing it with a side salad consisting of leafy greens or incorporating some steamed edamame pods to elevate protein and vegetable intake.
6) Jimmy Dean Sausage Croissant Breakfast Sandwich
Per 1 Serving (1 sandwich): 400 calories, 26 g fat (10 g saturated fat), 610 mg sodium, 29 g carb (2 g fiber, 5 g total sugars, 4 g added sugars), 13 g protein
Mornings often bring chaos, making a convenient breakfast a necessity. However, while the Jimmy Dean croissant sandwich may be an easy grab-and-go option, its nutritional value falls short. This sandwich is calorie-dense, with a significant portion of its calories derived from fat. Foods that pack numerous calories into a small package can increase the likelihood of weight gain, especially when lacking satiating nutrients like protein and fiber.
A Superior Alternative: Jimmy Dean Delight Turkey Sausage Breakfast Sandwich
If you seek a convenient breakfast option that offers a healthier nutrient profile, consider the Jimmy Dean Delight Turkey Sausage Breakfast Sandwich. This choice balances convenience with improved nutritional value. It provides more protein and less fat compared to the croissant sandwich, containing just 270 calories. Choose this option to satisfy your morning needs while prioritizing a healthier start to the day.
7) Lily's Toaster Grills Grilled American Cheese Sandwich
Per 1 Serving (1 sandwich): 360 calories, 23 g fat (12 g saturated fat), 890 mg sodium, 33 g carb (0 g fiber, 2 g added sugar), 14 g protein
Grilled cheese sandwiches, a beloved comfort food, delight taste buds with the simple combination of bread, butter, and cheese. However, this culinary pleasure comes with a downside—these sandwiches are loaded with fat, saturated fat, and sodium. With zero grams of fiber and 2 grams of added sugar, these grilled cheese creations are likely to contribute to weight gain. Although they may not exceed 360 calories per sandwich, their nutrient composition makes them an unfavorable source of calories.
A Superior Alternative: Hot Pockets Turkey & Colby DELIWICH
Consider a healthier choice with the Hot Pockets Turkey & Colby DELIWICH. This option can be enjoyed cold as a thawed sandwich or heated to achieve melted cheese goodness. With just 250 calories per serving, it leaves room for additional side items. Moreover, it contains less than half the fat content of Lily's grilled cheese, making it a more favorable option to support your dietary goals.
7) Banquet Original Chicken Nuggets
Per 1 Serving (5 nuggets): 220 calories, 12 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 540 mg sodium, 15 g carb (1 g fiber, <1 g added sugar), 11 g protein
Chicken nuggets have earned their place as a freezer staple, offering a convenient source of protein. However, it's important to note that alongside protein, these nuggets also deliver 12 grams of fat, accounting for roughly half of the total calories per serving. While they may be crafted with white chicken meat, which helps reduce fat and calorie content, they still aren't the most waistline-friendly choice. Moreover, with only 11 grams of protein, a single serving may not provide sufficient satiety for adults.
A Superior Alternative: kidfresh White Meat Chicken Nuggets
Explore a better option with kidfresh White Meat Chicken Nuggets. This alternative offers more protein while containing nearly half the calories and significantly less fat. Additionally, these nuggets provide an additional gram of fiber and about half the sodium compared to the traditional version. An added advantage lies in the inclusion of pureed cauliflower, enhancing the nutrient profile of these nuggets. Embrace this choice to enjoy the convenience of chicken nuggets while prioritizing a more nutritious meal.
8) Kellogg's® Eggo® French Toaster Sticks Cinnamon
Per 1 Serving (8 sticks): 220 calories, 6 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 500 mg sodium, 39 g carb (<1 g fiber, 14 g added sugar), 4 g protein
French toast holds a special place as a delightful breakfast treat. However, frozen French toast accompanied by syrup, while requiring minimal effort, could contribute to weight-related concerns. With 14 grams of sugar per serving, it surpasses half of the recommended daily allowance of added sugar for women, and this doesn't even include syrup. Furthermore, with a mere 4 grams of protein, this meal is unlikely to offer significant satiety.
A Superior Alternative: Good Food Made Simple Cinnamon French Toast
Consider a better choice with Good Food Made Simple Cinnamon French Toast. Although this option provides 30 additional calories per serving, it compensates with 13 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. These crucial nutrients contribute to a more satisfying and well-rounded meal, ensuring sustained energy throughout your morning. Moreover, this French toast contains 6 fewer grams of total sugars per serving, making it a more scale-friendly option. Prioritize this alternative to enjoy the indulgence of French toast while promoting a balanced approach to your breakfast routine.
9) Gorton's Beer Battered Fish Tenders
Per 1 Serving (3 pieces): 210 calories, 11 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 470 mg sodium, 21 g carb (1 g fiber, 0 g added sugar), 7 g protein
Fish is renowned for being a lean protein source and often contains essential fatty acids like omega-3. However, the beer-battered fish tenders in question also pack a significant amount of fat grams. Depending on these tenders to increase your fish intake may hinder your weight management goals. Although they do provide some omega-3 fat, this nutrient can be obtained from sources that are lower in carbs, fat, and sodium.
A Superior Alternative: Dr. Prager's Lightly Breaded Fish Sticks
Consider opting for Dr. Prager's Lightly Breaded Fish Sticks as a healthier choice. One serving of these fish sticks offers 40 fewer calories compared to the Gorton's option. Furthermore, they contain less fat and sodium, while providing more fiber and protein. This improved nutrient balance creates an ideal meal or snack that can help you avoid unwanted weight gain. Embrace this alternative to enjoy the flavors of fish while supporting your weight-conscious goals.
10) El Monterey Cheese Enchiladas Meal
Per 1 Serving (1 package): 480 calories, 21 g fat (10 g saturated fat), 830 mg sodium, 52 g carb (2 g fiber, 0 g added sugar), 21 g protein
What does this meal have to offer? It boasts a significant protein content, which can enhance satiety. However, the drawbacks lie in its high fat and sodium content, coupled with limited fiber despite the total carbohydrate content. Consequently, it falls short of being an ideal choice for weight management. Furthermore, it provides over one-third of the recommended daily sodium intake, which may contribute to water retention and additional weight.
A Superior Alternative: Frontera Chicken Fajita Bowl
While not an enchilada, the Frontera Chicken Fajita Bowl presents a far superior nutrient profile, containing a mere 300 calories. Although it does have a higher sodium content than the El Monterey option, it also offers 5 grams of fiber, 20 grams of protein, and a modest 7 grams of fat. These factors establish it as a healthier choice for your waistline. Embrace this alternative to enjoy a flavorful meal while aligning with your weight management goals.