Frozen dinners are quick, affordable, and oftentimes delicious options when you need a meal in a pinch. Unfortunately, though, what you gain in convenience, you usually pay for with your health. Despite their appeal, many frozen options pack excessive sodium, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates, contributing to elevated blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Similarly, these convenient meals can be loaded with sugars, preservatives, and calorie-dense ingredients, sabotaging weight management efforts and fostering obesity. And while there are some healthy (or at least healthy-ish) options out there, it’s in your best interest to steer clear of a few specific culprits.
To discover a few of the worst frozen dinners that could take a toll on your heart health and weight loss goals, we spoke to dietitians Krutika Nanavati and Trista Best. They told us that frozen pizza, TV dinners, frozen fried foods, and frozen pasta are among the worst offenders. Learn more about the risks of each below.
1. Frozen Pizza
There's nothing quite like a frozen pizza when you're craving it. And in addition to the deviously delicious taste of all that cheese and carbs, it's so easy to prepare on a busy night. Unfortunately, though, Nanavati warns that regularly eating this frozen food is a poor choice for your heart health—and your waistline.
"A staple in many households, frozen pizzas are often loaded with cheese and processed meats, making them incredibly high in sodium," she warns. "Furthermore, many popular brands have a thick crust that adds to the overall sodium content." It shouldn't come as a surprise that all of those additives, carbs, calories, and fat will also hold you back from your weight loss goals. Of course, it's alright to treat yourself to a pizza night every now and then, but making a habit out of it isn't the best idea for your body.
2. TV Dinners
What's more convenient than a heat-and-eat meal complete with sides and dessert? Like the other items on this list, though, Nanavati says frozen TV dinners are a major offender of clogged arteries, posing a serious risk to the health of your heart.
"These all-in-one meals may seem convenient, but they often come with a hefty dose of sodium," she tells us. "Some popular brands have up to 50% or more of the recommended daily intake of sodium in just one serving." Yikes! It may be worth the extra time it takes to cook up a homemade meal.
3. Frozen Fried Foods
Fried foods are one major culprit of clogged arteries and a higher risk of heart disease. Although they may be tasty, these foods are packed with unhealthy fats. In fact, Nanavati says that fried frozen foods should be avoided as much as possible if you're after a healthier heart.
"Frozen versions of popular deep-fried foods like French fries, chicken nuggets, and fish sticks can be quick and convenient meal options," she warns. "However, they are often heavily processed and contain high amounts of sodium that contribute to clogged arteries." Plus, the saturated and trans fats in these foods are major culprits of weight gain and high cholesterol. Try stick to air fryer recipes for a healthy alternative.
4. Frozen Pasta Dishes
Craving pasta? Although a frozen option may be convenient in a pinch, Best warns that regularly eating frozen pasta dinners could take a serious toll on your health over time. She uses Kroger's Chicken Florentine Lasagna as an example. "This frozen meal likely contains high levels of saturated fats from the cheese and cream-based sauces, which can raise LDL cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease," she warns.
In addition to those fattening ingredients, the noodles themselves are reason for concern. Best says they're "likely made from refined carbohydrates, leading to spikes in blood sugar levels and potential weight gain when consumed in excess. Furthermore, the presence of processed chicken and added sodium in the sauce can contribute to hypertension and water retention, further exacerbating heart health concerns." Luckily, there are tons of healthy pasta recipes you can whip up instead.
