Frozen Dinners, Are They Healthy?

Many are high in fat and sodium -- two things you should be conscious about.

Frozen dinners have become convenient to all of us. They're simple and quick! But not all of them are good for your diet. In fact, many of them are loaded with unhealthy fat, sodium and calories. So if you regularly rely on frozen dinners for your meals, make sure you pick the healthiest ones by following these guidelines:

* Add healthy sides. Many food companies have frozen dinners that are designed specifically for the dieter. These meals are automatically calorie controlled--usually containing fewer than 300 calories--but they also lack many nutrients, too. Supplement the meal with a healthy side dish, like a large green salad, a piece of fruit, or steamed veggies.

* Watch the sodium. Some frozen dinners contain lots of sodium. Not only is excess sodium bad for your health, but it also leads to bloating and water retention! Make sure the frozen dinners you choose have less than 900 milligrams of sodium.

* Stick with the basics. If you're watching your waistline, you probably wouldn't choose tortellini in Alfredo sauce at a restaurant, right? Make the same wise choices when picking frozen dinners, too. Choose grilled or broiled lean meats and healthy sides like roasted potatoes. Avoid heavy cream sauces and added cheese.