Frozen chicken pot pies are the worst thing you can stock up on according to Trista Best, RD. While you may be fooled by the promise of protein in the chicken, Best warns you to look elsewhere. She says, “The health aspect as it relates to treating the common cold or flu is the cysteine content of the chicken. Cysteine is an amino acid present in chicken and is the primary reason chicken pot pie seems like an effective remedy for the common cold. Unfortunately, this is where the healthy characteristics end and can certainly be obtained through more nutritious chicken recipes.”
It can often be easy to ignore the unhealthy ingredients in a dish by focusing instead on the potential health benefits of other ingredients. But like in chicken pot pie, the other aspects of the meal such as the sodium and fat content far outweigh the benefit of the chicken. You would be much better off reaching for a fresher dish--one in which you can pronounce all of the ingredients. The fat content alone in chicken pot pie is enough to raise a red flag to Best. She says, “While chicken is a lean animal protein, the other ingredients like milk, butter and oil are high in saturated and trans fat. A diet containing large amounts of these fats can lead to heart disease and obesity.”
Generally, chicken pot pies are loaded with an overwhelming amount of sodium. Best explains, “Most varieties contain nearly 800mg of sodium which is around 35-40 percent of the recommended daily value. A diet high in sodium can lead to water retention, inflammation and hypertension to name just a few.” Especially if your goal is weight loss, steer clear of chicken pot pie if you want to see the physical benefits of your healthy diet and exercise. You may still be losing weight, but bloating can create the appearance of the opposite!
On a lazy evening you may be tempted to reach for a frozen pot pie or another easily thawed meal, but before doing so, take a good look at the ingredients list. If you’re aiming to create a healthy lifestyle for yourself, high sodium and fat content in your food should be avoided, even if that comes at the price of convenience. If you’re looking for an easy dish, meal prep a batch of chicken noodle soup or a curry at the beginning of the week and throw the rest in the freezer. You’ll be much better off knowing that you’re nourishing your body with whole ingredients, protein and veggies, without the added unknowns of a freezer meal.