frozen dinners

Has anyone had success using Lean Quisine or other frozen dinners? Right now I have a lot of stress in my life, don't feel like cooking, and believe I could benefit from the ease of using the microwave with portion controlled frozen meals.

The Amy's brand frozen meals aren't too bad.  I can barely finish an entire one.  I usually eat (at most) a third of one.  They are fairly low in calories, low in fat and decent in the protein department.  If you are going to eat any frozen entree, because they have a lot of sodium, drink a lot of water.  Not while you are eating, obviously, but throughout the rest of the day.  

I do them sometimes. If you have Kroger near by, they have pre-made quiche. Good quick protein source. Or sometimes I'll just heat up some fish sticks.

Lean Cusine and all of those others are high in sodium and carbs...not to mention preservatives amd chemicals (they spray frozen dinners down with slicone).  I don't much feel like cooking dinner after working 11 hours, working out 90 hours, and commuting back and forth to work...but I still made a commitment to my health and what is best for me...hence the working out too.   These easy to prepare meals whether frozen, canned, or boxed is exactly why we are all getting fat.  I make my meals every night and spend only 15-20 minutes making it. 

as far portion control...when I buy meat at the store when I get home I split the package into individual freezer baggies.  So when I grab some beef or chicken out of the freezer it is already portion sized.

Look at the "Contessa" brand of frozen meals.  They're a little bit better than the other brands.  Unfortunately I don't think they have individual sized servings, but you could cook one up and portion it out for several days worth.

Hope you find a solution.

I started using them about 3 weeks ago..Not everyday only as a quick change from cooking all the time..I cook on weekends for the week most of the time and by Wed. I'm tired of eating that food and need something different...My surgeon said its okay with him...Salt is not the issue..It's pre measured and easy...just add a salad or some more veggies...

I avoid them (and all convenience foods) at all costs.  Have you ever read the ingredients list?  The amount of chemicals and preservatives and non-food in those things is frightening.  If you want something quick and easy and filling, find the time to set your kitchen up that way.  I spend a couple of hours every week, usually on Sunday afternoon, preparing things for the week.  Sliced vegetables and chopped fruit, cubed cheese, yogurt, sliced turkey, all things that are good for me, low in preservatives.

And as far as meals that are quick and easy, I grill several chicken breasts at a time and slice them and store them in the fridge.  I always have salad fixings or fresh vegetables and it takes no time to throw together a salad or steam some broccoli or make a quick chicken wrap.

Yes.  The portion sizes are good on those frozen entrees and the calories aren't terrible.  But it's the things that you AREN'T thinking about that will do more damage to your weight loss and your overall health.  The sodium, chemicals, preservatives.  It's scary stuff...

Contessa really doesn't have as much as some of the others.  I keep the chicken stir-fry in the freezer for nights when pre-planning just hasn't happened.  It's not as good as fresh, I agree.. but it's a heck of a lot better than carry-out.   I like that they package the sauce seperately, so it can be added as desired.

See what you think:

http://www.contessa.com/health-wellness/how-to-read-a-nutrit ion-facts-label/

DEFINITELY not too bad when compared to the rest of the options out there but I, personally, still wouldn't eat it.  And I do know that I'm kind of extreme when it comes to things like this but one of my food rules is that I won't buy anything that has more than 5 or 6 ingredients.  I also try and steer clear of words like "modified", "processed" and "manufactured.  I was in the grocery store the other day and I actually read the phrase "manufactured turkey by-products" (along with a slew of other things that you could only find in a checmistry lab) on the label of a food-ish product being marketed as a health option.  (some sort of breakfast Jimmy Dean thing)

So, that's just me.  Like I said, I know I go to extremes but after I read "In Defense of Food" by Michael Pollan, it's the only way I can shop, cook and eat with a clear conscience.  I've made this huge investment into my health and my future and I am putting far less food into my body, I just want it to be as good and natural and healthy as it can possibly be.

Yeah, I understand it's a personal choice.  And I salute you for being strong enough to make such changes in your food choices.

I do more fresh than frozen, and am trying to move towards organic.  Hard when all the farmers in the area aren't organic..  and the one grocery store that does carry some organic keeps making the selections smaller and smaller.

Haven't read Pollans books, but have heard alot about them.   I'm trying to follow the anti-cancer diet myself (Anti-cancer, a new way of life by David Servan-Schrieber).

Anyhoo.. we all have to do what's right for us.  I agree, some things are very scary when you start reading the ingredients.