Pre-packaged meals...

Do any of you guys like to use pre-packaged meals such as lean cuisine or smart ones?

I'm not a fan of processed foods but I do like the idea of having what is now a large portion of food with a good amount of calories and is relatively tasty.

I've been eating *gasp* hot dogs since they are easy to digest and high in protein. I need to stop that. LOL.

Any thoughts?

I still have some HMR meals left over from when I was doing the assisted weight loss program at my hospital.  Had one or two over the past month - the serving size is ok (about 8 oz) and they're usually around 250 calories for a meal.  They actually taste fairly good, too.  They're made for people dieting and are fairly high in protein.

Enjoy!

http://www.hmrprogram.com/index.cfm/HMRFoods/HMREntrees

Most of them are LOADED  with sodium, not good, especially when the goal is to lose weight and keep blood pressure in check and all that jazz. 

If I were eating four of them a day I think the sodium would be a problem but one of them over the course of an entire 12 hour period in my opinion is not cause for significant alarm. I would bet the hot dog has more sodium than the meal.

One pre-packaged meal contains about 25% of my RDA of sodium. I would bet I'm not coming close to my RDA of sodium considering my diet still consists of meals no bigger than 1/3rd to 1/2 cup portions.

Hey Kevin,
good to see you on the board.  WOW hotdogs...I dont think i could eat one..  i have been on full food for approx 2 weeks, eating chicken, beef, lots of protein shakes, cottage cheese, chili, meatballs and lots of soft foods, yogart, fruit etc.

working well for me.

If you aren't worried about the sodium ..I like the Hormel ones. They don't go in the freezer so you will find them near the soup aisle usually. I have a beef steak tips and mashed potatoes with me here now. It has 17g of protein for the whole thing. It's 270 calories ...but 950mg of sodium. 

I like them because you don't need to freeze them. They can stay in the cupboard and if you are traveling that is good! I don't eat them often because of the sodium ..maybe once a week. But this one is pretty good. And it's the perfect size for how far out I am.

i like the stoffers stuffed peppers..

Go with the Smart Ones, the Healthy Choice or the Kashi.   Those are my favorites, you can look for the varieties high in protein and veggies.   The sodium is better in those too!!!!!!   :o)

Kevin,

I am a BIG fan of WW Smart Ones. For me, the taste is the best, sodium lower than most, higher in protein, low in fat and just a nice assortment. I don't mind Healthy Request. Lean Cuisines just don't do it for me. I usually pack a Smart Ones for lunch 3-4 days a week. The portion size is good.

My favorite WW Smart Ones (pasted from the WW site):
Cranberry Turkey Medallions Chicken Enchiladas Suiza Chicken Parmesan Chicken Santa Fe Pineapple Beef Teriyaki Roast Turkey Medallions with Mushroom Gravy Roasted Chicken with Sour Cream & Chive Mashed Potatoes Salisbury Steak (9.0 oz.) Slow Roasted Turkey Breast

My local grocer , Giant Eagle, usually puts these on sale for 4 or 5 for $10 once a month. Wal-Mart has some for $1.88 and some for $2.88. Target also has them on sale a lot.

Tom

I am 2 1/2 months out (RNY) and back to work 12 hour shift.  I have found that the Lean Cousine and  Smart Ones meals are perfect for lunchtime.  I was told to chose meals that are between 180-250 cals and at least 15 grams/protein.  THose guidelines make it easy to chose several that I like! 

I cannot imagine that hotdogs are easy to digest.  BUt, I am tolerating many meats other than chicken and fish.

Amanda