Some ready-meal packaging only states levels of sodium, not salt. Not all freezer meals need to be microwaved!
You get a mix of veggies and an excellent amount of protein, 14 grams, for only 330 calories.

GDAs, are they helpful? Take a look at HuffPost Coupons where we have hundreds of promo codes from brands you trust. Low in saturated fat and salt Even now that many of us are spending more time at home, cooking can feel like just another stressful thing on our plate — and that’s OK. (Serve with toasted wholemeal pitta and frozen peas to increase fibre content), Innocent's Mexican Chilli Pot A La Carte Sides. Vitamin-rich peppers, courgettes and mushrooms, Shirley summarises: "as well as good nutritional choices the above ready-meals taste close to home-cooking and contain a nice blend of flavours that aren't over-powering.".

What other options are there? Ready meal containers have come a long way from the ‘TV dinners’ marketed by U.S. food company Swanson’s in the Fifties, which were packaged up in foil trays to mimic airline meals. Your dish will actually finish cooking in those extra minutes. Look for high fibre levels, to keep you fuller for longer and aid a healthy digestive system; studies confirm us Brits don't eat close to recommended levels of fibre1. (of which saturates) 1.0g 4.0g

Fibre 1.2g 4.8g We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Get Started! “I also value that Luvo meals are not packaged in plastic containers and the outer container and pouches are recyclable,” Harris-Pincus says. These smart picks get the stamp of approval as a quick and healthy option. At Balance Box we use only fresh, ethically sourced produce to provide healthy meals that are delivered straight to you. Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Start Here. “I sauté a little garlic in avocado oil and add that to the dish, along with a drizzle of Bragg Liquid Aminos.”. “I also look for meals with veggies and whole grains.” Collingwood says this Asian-inspired bowl is one of her go-tos because it features multiple plant-based proteins — including lentils, seitan, brown rice and quinoa.

But this entrée is made with sustainable, wild-caught salmon and only has ingredients you'd find in your kitchen. 1The 2000-1 UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey showed that 72% of men and 87% of women were not meeting the recommended average intake for dietary fibre of 18 g per day and so the proportion of cases of diverticular diseases in the general population attributed to a low fibre diet could be considerable, they add. Salt 0.40g 0.60g. Freshly is a fantastic option for those who want to choose custom meals each week. So now you're armed and ready to make your choice. She says she also likes that it’s free of gluten, dairy and nuts — perfect for people with specific dietary needs. These days, dozens and dozens of healthier frozen meals line the freezer shelves.

Only the Best Ingredients Our chefs only use the best ingredients.

Make it even healthier: The sauce adds a significant amount of sodium to the meal. Well the good news is you don't have to if you make the right choices! Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Shirley explains "although ready-meals are no substitute for regular home-cooking, they do have their place when time is tight. And you’ll want to aim for a meal with at least 10 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. So how about those times you’re craving Mexican but don't want to blow your daily calorie intake out of the water? Marks & Spencer Filled Red Pepper Halves: Ingredients: Red peppers (43%), cooked Arborio rice (15%), cooked red rice (7%), tomatoes, tomato passata, onions, courgettes, brown cap mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, mature cheddar cheese, tomato puree, sunflower oil, regato cheese, red Leicester cheese, garlic puree, oregano, salt, cornflour, wheatflour, coarse ground black pepper, Energy (kJ) 390 575 Our Current Meals. HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Good fibre levels Ground Turkey & Green Beans. This brand is beloved by dietitians, and the line of light-in-sodium meals makes it even easier to recommend. How unhealthy really is it to drink every night? Learn more about Daily Harvest, and use code HUFFPOST25 for $25 off your first box, Learn more about FreshDirect's prepared meals. Ever get that guilty feeling if you have a ready-meal rather than cooking? The protein content is solid, too, at 11 grams. As with anything on the internet, there are a lot of these cooked meal services to choose from. Fat 3.5g 5.2g

Fibre 1.1g 1.6g You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Why you might be craving stodgier food in winter, Huel now do hot and savoury flavour options, These foods contain a surprising amount of salt, Alcohol allergy: all the signs to look out for, Why this dietician doesn't recommend the OMAD diet, 9 delicious high protein, low carb food ideas, This is why crash dieting is so bad for you, 9 surprising foods that count towards your 5-a-day. These fully cooked, chef-crafted meals are made fresh and delivered frozen to your door — all you have to do is heat them up. “Salmon is low in heart-unhealthy saturated fat and robust in omega-3s,” says Joan Salge Blake, EdD, RDN, a clinical associate professor of nutrition at Boston University and author of "Nutrition & You."
Protein 2.9g 4.3g Pricing: Depending on your plan, you have to order 10 to 20 meals, and they range from $10 to $12 per meal.

Make it even healthier: Pair the dish with a side of “rice,” and heat up a serving of Birds Eye Steamfresh Veggie Made Cauliflower. ©2020 Verizon Media. “I’m a vegetarian, so I’m limited with selections and try to find meals with a decent amount of protein,” says Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, team dietitian for Orlando Magic and co-author of "Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies." Order!

“I love that it uses brown rice, includes a variety of veggies, and has a plant-based source of protein.” Each serving provides an excellent amount of both fiber and protein for 340 calories. Here’s an option that cooks in the skillet in minutes. Services like Freshly, Daily Harvest and Sakara Life offer pre-made meals that can be delivered. Choose ready-meals based around fish, seafood, chicken or vegetables to help keeps levels low. Make it even healthier: With just 270 calories, pair this meal with a banana or cup of berries for extra calories and filling fiber. Ready-meal packaging usually lists Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs) as a general guide to follow for daily levels of calories, protein, fat (and saturates), carbohydrate (and sugars), fibre and salt, which can aid in your choice. Once delivered it takes less than 3 minutes to prepare your healthy meal, and the rest can be stored in your fridge until ready to eat. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Instead, prepared meals are already made for you and can be delivered fresh to your door to be eaten on the spot or stored in your fridge or freezer and warmed up for later. And thank goodness! Top Nutritionist Shirley Ward has reviewed a range of supermarket ready-meals and compiled her Top 5 "Healthy" Ready-meals. Finally! So there you go, ready-meals can be a healthy and tasty choice – just remember to read the label! Go ahead and eat up! With a base of corn, they provide their fill of whole grains and fiber. Look for low saturated fat levels; although we need a certain amount of saturated fats in our diet its easy to consume an excess.

Good choices are ready-meals containing vegetables, beans, oats, brown rice or lentils. Don’t forget to keep these pointers in mind when reading the ingredients list: Here are seven nutritionist picks to consider adding to your grocery list.

(of which sugars) 4.3g 6.3g How Does It Work? You’ll see that not every single meal on this list fits the guidelines above. Dave and Les Jacobs / Getty Images/Blend Images, preparing a nutritious meal can go quickly, Birds Eye Steamfresh Veggie Made Cauliflower, Amy's Kitchen Brown Rice & Vegetables Bowl, Light in Sodium, Bad nutrition advice dietitians want you to forget, The best way to lose weight boils down to these three things. “In a time-crunched world, this frozen meal is an easy way to get heart-healthy fish on the weekly menu.” The salmon is served over orzo pasta with spinach, zucchini and a yogurt sauce. All our meals are organic, gluten, dairy, soy & preservative free. Ready to order your first meal? See our meal plans today. Just one cheese slice at your neighborhood pizzeria may clock in at that calorie count! Easy, healthy meals can quickly be made with frozen food, whether you are looking for low-carb or low-sodium meals! Low saturated fat content SHOP NOW. “I love cauliflower pizza, so this is a great alternative to a traditional pie as it has fewer calories,” says Ryan Whitcomb, MS, RD, CLT, a private practice dietitian in Jersey City, New Jersey.

One of the few ready-meals that contains brown rice (aids sustainable energy levels plus a good source of fibre and B vitamins), Marks & Spencer's "Count On Us" range Fish Pie (400g, serves 1) Register to vote and apply for an absentee ballot today, The best-kept deals, steals and practical finds for the good life. No added sugar “I love this meal because it has only 270 milligrams of sodium, practically unheard of for a frozen meal!” says Autumn Ehsaei, MS, RDN, CLT, a private practice dietitian in Cary, North Carolina. Egg & Cajun Chicken Sausage Hash.

Because with jam-packed days, at least preparing a nutritious meal can go quickly. Healthy, ready-made meals are made from real foods that provide the best of health. But before you stock up, it's important to know what you should you look for in a frozen meal. These nutrients help keep you fuller for longer, so you won't be raiding the pantry a few hours later. All rights reserved.

Part of HuffPost Home & Living. Find out what to look for when buying ready meals - they can also make healthy food choices when you're clued up on nutritional values!