Summary of 10 Worst Frozen Foods That Can Make You Gain Weight:
The article discusses the convenience of frozen foods, however, not all are created equally and some can contribute to weight gain. Frozen foods can contain a wide range of nutrient profiles, calorie amounts, ingredients, and portion sizes. It is important to consider nutrient needs, protein amounts, and sodium content when choosing frozen foods. The article also provides 10 examples of the worst frozen foods that can make you gain weight and offers better choices for each item.
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The Worst Frozen Foods for Weight Gain: 10 Options to Avoid
Frozen foods have come a long way since their inception with a wide array of options for busy individuals and families. While convenience is one of the main benefits of frozen foods, some options can be packed with calories, sugar, and sodium. We’ve rounded up 10 of the worst frozen foods that might be contributing to your weight gain.
1. Pancake-wrapped sausage
This well-known breakfast option may be tasty, but one serving (1 pancake N sausage) contains 260 calories, 16 grams of fat (4 grams of saturated fat), and 400mg of sodium. It also provides only six grams of protein, which doesn’t make it the most filling meal option. Instead, opt for Morning Star Farms Incogmeato® Plant-Based Pancake and Sausage On a Stick with 90 calories, seven grams of added sugar, and nine grams of protein per serving.
2. Fruit pops
As a classic summer snack, the Instacart Fruit Pops have a lot of sugar and few nutrients. One serving (4 pops) contains 90 calories and 21 grams of total sugars. Instead, try Sweet Nothings Squeezable Smoothies with zero grams of added sugar and nutritious ingredients like organic fruits, vegetables, and chia seeds.
3. Ice cream bars
Haagen-Dazs bars are a delicious treat but are also one of the worst frozen foods for weight gain. One bar contains 260 calories, 17 grams of fat (12 grams of saturated fat), and 16 grams of added sugar. Yasso Sea Salt Caramel Bars are a better option with 100 calories, one gram of fat, and less added sugar.
4. Pizza
Target’s 380-calorie per serving pizza is high in sodium (680mg) and lacks fiber. Instead, try Milton’s Thin & Crispy Cauliflower Crust Roasted Vegetable Pizza with only 230 calories, two grams of fiber, and 12 grams of protein per serving.
5. Croissant breakfast sandwiches
These sandwiches might be quick and easy, but Jimmy Dean’s option contains 400 calories and 26 grams of fat (10 grams of saturated fat) per serving. A better alternative is the Jimmy Dean Delight Turkey Sausage Breakfast Sandwich with 270 calories and more protein.
6. Grilled cheese
Safeway’s classic grilled cheese sandwich packs 360 calories, 23 grams of fat (12 grams of saturated fat), and 890mg of sodium per serving. Try Hot Pockets Turkey & Colby DELIWICH with only 250 calories and a protein boost.
7. Fried rice
While a Chinese takeout staple, most frozen options are packed with sodium and calories. Amy’s Kitchen Vegetable Fried Rice packs 280 calories, nine grams of fat (1.5 grams saturated fat), and 680mg of sodium per serving. Instead, try Caulipower Spicy Chicken Tenders with only 140 calories, four grams of fat (0.5 grams of saturated fat), and 390mg of sodium per serving.
8. Pot pies
Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie contains 630 calories, 36 grams of fat (16 grams of saturated fat), and 1,180mg of sodium per serving. Instead, try Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Chicken Margherita with only 240 calories, five grams of fat (1.5 grams of saturated fat), and 560mg of sodium per serving.
9. Frozen meals with pasta
Most frozen meals with pasta are high in sodium, calories, and carbohydrates. Stouffer’s Classic Macaroni & Cheese contains 400 calories, 20 grams of fat (10 grams of saturated fat), and 670mg of sodium per serving. Opt instead for Lean Cuisine Spicy Veggie Chili Mac with only 270 calories, seven grams of fat (1.5 grams of saturated fat), and 500mg of sodium per serving.
10. Frozen breakfast burritos
Frozen breakfast burritos are a convenient way to start the day, but they can be high in calories. El Monterey Egg, Potato, Bacon, and Cheese Breakfast Burrito contains 390 calories, 20 grams of fat (six grams of saturated fat), and 810mg of sodium per serving. Swap for Evol Egg & Green Chile Burrito with only 200 calories, seven grams of fat (2.5 grams of saturated fat), and 360mg of sodium per serving.
Conclusion
While frozen foods can be quick, convenient, and tasty, they can also contribute to weight gain if you aren’t careful. By choosing options that are low in calories, sugar, and saturated fats, and high in protein and fiber, you can enjoy the benefits of frozen foods while maintaining a healthy diet.
