When you’ve had a long day at work or find yourself crunched for time when dinner rolls around, you may find yourself peering into the freezer for a quick meal you can pop into the microwave. While there’s no denying that this is an easy option, experts agree that it typically isn’t the best option when it comes to your health. That’s because these foods are often ultra-processed, sodium-laden, high-calorie, and packed with additives.
To learn more about the health effects of frozen foods and uncover two of the least healthy choices out there, we spoke to nutritionist Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet, and dietitian Meredith Mishan, founder of Mishan Nutrition. They told us that frozen pizzas and TV dinners are two options you should avoid. Read on to learn more!
READ MORE: 2 Dietitian-Approved Frozen Foods That Won’t Lead To Weight Gain
1. Frozen Pizza
When it comes to frozen foods, a good old frozen pizza is one of the most popular options out there. These are cheap, cheesy, and tasty—but unfortunately, Richards says they're also loaded with unhealthy ingredients that can take a serious toll on your body over time. "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 says.
This food generally has two main ingredients: the crust and the cheese. While both of these are delicious, they also both come with their fair share of health risks when eaten in excess. Richards points out that the cheese is "high in saturated fat and calories," which "the crust may also be high in refined carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems." Yikes!
Then there's the issue of processed meats, which are frequently used as toppings for this frozen meal. "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," Richards warns. When you consider the fact that some options contain extra additives like added sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives, it's safe to say that eating frozen pizzas regularly is a poor decision if you want to keep your body as healthy as possible.
"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. TV Dinners
In addition to those deviously delicious frozen pizzas, there's another major culprit of health issues that could be lurking in your freezer and waiting to be eaten on a busy night: TV dinners from brands like Hungry Man and Marie Callender's. Mishan points out that, just as with pizza, these convenient but unhealthy meals are chock-full of preservatives and sodium, which can be detrimental to your wellness. "Eating a diet high in sodium can contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure—also known as the silent killer), heart disease, and even stroke," she says.
The salt content of frozen meals like these can be shocking, especially considering the daily recommended intake. "According to the American Heart Association, the recommended daily limit is 2300mg sodium per day, though ideally, they recommend no more than 1500mg per day," Mishan notes. However, she warns that "frozen dinners can easily contribute over half of the 2000mg recommended daily sodium limit, in just one meal!" Say it ain't so!
She goes on to point out that Marie Callender's Spaghetti and Meatball Bowl, for example, packs in 1260mg of sodium per package, taking up more than half of your daily recommended intake. And if that's not alarming enough, consider Hungry Man's Double Chicken Bacon Ranch Bowl, which contains a whopping 1950mg. All in all, it's best to steer clear of the frozen dinner section of the grocery store if you want to keep your health in check.
The bottom line
Despite the fact that they're convenient, many frozen foods found at the grocery store are packed with preservatives that can lead to health risks if you eat them regularly. While having a frozen pizza every now and then won't necessarily put you in the hospital, keeping your intake of these foods to a minimum is the best choice for your overall health.
Looking for a healthier alternative? Try preparing large, homemade batches of nutritious meals when you find the time and store them in your freezer for later. That way, you'll have all the convenience of a frozen meal along with the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what you're putting into your body—because you made the food yourself! While it may take a bit more effort than throwing a few Hungry Man meals into your cart at the grocery store, the health benefits will be well worth it.
