Even though we know they’re bad, frozen dinners are incredibly convenient. They’re for those nights when you don’t have the time or the energy to whip up a full meal with healthy, nutritious ingredients. All you need is a microwave (or an oven if you want to feel like you’re actually cooking!) and a couple of minutes later, your dish is ready to eat. But, even though they save time, there are some frozen dinners out there that are just not worth the unhealthy side effects—especially if you want to lose weight by summer.
To learn more about the worst processed microwave meals, we spoke with Lisa Richards, a nutritionist and creator of The Candida Diet. Richards says that frozen pizza and ramen noodles are the worst processed microwave meals if you want to lose weight by summer. This is because they contain artificial flavors, preservatives, and added sugar. Microwave meals like frozen pizza and ramen noodles usually are high in sodium and they lack fiber, protein, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Read on to learn more!
READ MORE: The Surprising Truth About Microwavable Meals, According To A Registered Dietitian
1. Frozen Pizza
A good old frozen pizza is one of the most popular frozen dinners—and for good reason. They're cheap, cheesy, and tasty. Plus, they're convenient. You can make them in the oven or the microwave. Unfortunately, Richards says frozen pizzas are typically made with unhealthy ingredients that can have a detrimental effect on your overall health. "Frozen pizzas are often considered bad for overall health because they tend to be high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium, and may contain processed meats and other unhealthy ingredients," she explains.
This frozen meal usually contains two main ingredients: cheese and bread. Some pizzas are also made with toppings like mushrooms, olives, and pepperoni (processed deli meat). While these additions are delicious, they also come can lead to weight gain and health issues if eaten in excess. Richards notes that the cheese is "high in saturated fat and calories," and "the crust may also be high in refined carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems."
Processed meats like pepperoni come with their fair share of health risks as well. "Many frozen pizzas contain processed meats such as pepperoni, sausage, or bacon, which are high in sodium and can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues," she warns.
So, even though frozen pizza can be delicious, it's safe to say that eating it on the regular is not a good idea if you want to keep your body healthy and lose weight. "While frozen pizzas can be a convenient and affordable option for busy individuals, they should be consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet that includes plenty of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins," Richards concludes.
2. Ramen Noodles
Another highly processed microwave meal that you should avoid if you want to lose weight are pre-packaged ramen noodles. While they are a popular and convenient choice for a quick meal, they can also stall weight loss plans and lead to inflammation and chronic bloating. "One of the main reasons for this is their high sodium content. A single package of ramen noodles can contain up to 1,500 milligrams of sodium, which is more than half of the recommended daily intake," Richards warns. Consuming too much sodium can cause water retention, bloating, and increased blood pressure. All of this can lead to weight gain.
And, while microwave ramen noodles are low in protein and fiber, they're also high in refined carbohydrates. "Refined carbohydrates, such as those found in ramen noodles, can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to increased hunger and cravings for more high-carb, high-calorie foods," Richards says. "Eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and low in protein and fiber can also lead to overeating and weight gain over time."
Instead of pre-packaged ramen noodles, she recommends opting for noodles with more fiber. "A healthier alternative to traditional ramen noodles is to opt for noodles made from whole grains or vegetables, such as brown rice or zucchini noodles," Richards notes. These ramen noodles are typically low in refined carbohydrates and high in fiber, which can support healthy weight loss and lower blood sugar levels.
The Bottom Line
While some frozen dinners may be nutritious, many are still processed meals with little to no nutrition that only make weight loss harder and can cause chronic bloating and inflammation. So, ditch the frozen pizza and pre-packaged ramen noodles. Switch them out with healthy alternatives like homemade pizza with fresh ingredients and noodles made from whole grains or vegetables.
