Low Calorie Frozen Meals

[Happy Camper 266]

Just curious what you all think about the reduced calorie frozen meals as an occasional go to food? I tried the Lean Cusine Sweedish Meatballs last night and I know way too much sodium, I feel it this morning but, sometimes I just want something warm (ie no turkey or chicken cold cut slice), fast and easy. I could only eat the meatballs and they were probably full of fat.

Since I had to have a second surgery two weeks following my sleeve as a result of a complication, I am still healing it seems my weight loss has stalled. Doctor said it is because my body is generating white blood cells and concentrating on healing the wound in my abdomen. I want to get back on the losers bench.

Thanks!

[thinoneday 445]

These did nothing for me. . . the only thing they did was put on additional fluids into my body from the sodium, but you know that already. . . even Jenny Craig meals are not good. . . good old fashion, cook it yourself, and store it in small containers to heat up for later are your best choices. . . good luck!

[longer-life 139]

Thinoneday is right, but you have reminded me of something. When on Weight Watchers I would have 1 or 2 Lean Cuisines in my freezer for "emergencies". You know those times you are too hungry to cook & have nothing frozen or simply can't decide what to eat? I would eat at most 1 a month, so it worked out great. I will try that again and see how it goes. Perhaps you can consider that.

How are you feeling?

[bikerchick519 202]

Something even better I found is making your own meatballs. I got one recipe for bbq meatloaf muffins. They are made in a muffin pan and the perfect size. Delicious. I either got the recipe here or OH. I also bought frozen turkey meatballs to keep in the freezer but they weren't as good as the homemade.

[kgremmy 36]

I never bothered with them. I always made my meals from things that I cooked and froze. When I wanted a frozen meal, I would take out a portion and heat it up and eat it. That way I knew what was going into my body.

[june13sleever 223]

These meals are my lifeline. I eat one for dinner almost every night. The salt helps me retain the fluids I do drink as I am still not drinking enough daily.

[Happy Camper 266]

Good discussion. It was funny because my pre-op had me on these frozen meals with Protein shakes for 2 weeks then just Protein Shakes so I had a couple leftovers.

I am shocked even though calories were only 290 for the whole dish, I did not eat near the whole thing. Grimmy, Bikerchick and Thin you are all correct after the one meal the flavor just was not there and I definitely feel the sodium today. Longer if you try one you will see. June13 you are doing well on your weight loss so WAY TO GO. I think I will look for that good turkey meatball recipe and make some up for myself!!

Longer thanks for asking, I am feeling better but now I am fighting with insurance for the ACELL treatment that is healing me. They will not cover it....go figure. What am I supposed to do walk around with a hole in my abdomen? Sorry I am NOT a negative person but I have gone through a lot, am halfway through treatment and now am told it will not be covered.

Note: the ACELL apparently comes from "non human" and therefore they are considering it experimental. Heaven help me - to me I don't care, all I know is it is generating good skin and cell growth. I was told I could not be sewn together as there could be more bacteria and I would be back in the same boat

[Holiday 18]

I don't think having a frozen meal when you're pressed for time otherwise would hurt you at all. I found a posting (forget where, was months ago) from a fellow sleever who doesn't cook. She wasn't losing weight as fast as her doctor liked, so her doctor gace her a list of acceptable meals with some guideline for trying others. here is that list. I saved it.

Lean Cuisine:

Glazed chicken

Three cheese Chicken

Chicken Parmesan

Meatloaf with Gravy and Whipped Potatoes

Smart Ones:

Chicken Marsala with Broccoli

Picante chicken and Pasta

Penne Pollo

South Beach:

Garlic Herb Chicken

Healthy Choice:

Beef Tips Portobello

Traditional Turkey Breast

Meals must meet the following guidelines:

*Fewer than 300 calories

*Fewer than 10 grams total fat

*Less than 45 total carbohydrates

*More than 15 grams of Protein

*Less than 600 milligrams of sodium (preferred but not essential)

Hope this helps!

[favoredone 590]

Thanks!!

Sandy, I don't know if you have a Trader Joe's near you.. but they have some delicious turkey meatballs!!! And several easy heat and eat items w/o all the junk!

[DebiC 181]

Holiday-thanks so much for the list.

I too prefer to make my meals from scratch. But having a light frozen dinner is certainly better than stopping off to get a burger (even if you forgo the Buns and fries)-

I also do the frozen scratch meals. I have a Forman type grill that cooks things from frozen so I make up ground beef (96% lean) into 3-4 oz seasoned burger patties and freeze individually. Or take chicken tenderloins and put them in a baggie with marinade or whatever seasoning (I love lemon/garlic/Greek seasoning the best). When I grill those I can even throw on some zucchini or whatever to grill at the same time. These don't take any longer than microwaving a frozen meal.

I use a mini muffin pan and make meatball/meatloaf type muffins. They are about 1 oz each. I cook and then freeze. I can take them add and add whatever sauce I want.

I live alone so having these individually portioned meals is perfect for me.

[wondering1 103]

I probably eat 3-4 Lean Cuisine meals per week. I love the Steak Tips and Broccoli. They have 150 calories and 15 grams of salt. I think they're great for times I'm really hungry. I also like the Fajita-style chicken rolls. Again, 15 grams of Protein. Do what you think is best

[wondering1 103]

** Protein, not salt **

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

hi has anyone ever asked their NUT about Lein Cuisine or other frozen dinners If they're ok on a rare basis, that would be a life saver for me.

kathy

[Lissa 2,631]

Thanks for the list!! I haven't used any of them, but might in the future!

[Indymom 132]

Yuck! I've never liked any of the frozen meals - even when I did Weight Watchers or other diet programs I rarely purchased their products. They always tasted a little "off" to me (lots of chemicals/preservatives in many of them). Like some others said I find it's easier to fix a large meal for my family and then spend the time to prepackage my lunch-sized portions into tupperware so I can just grab & go. The prepackaging is also great because it's so easy to track on my food log - if I know I've already measured out 3 oz of chicken or beef, I can just plug it into the program.