The other licensed dietitian in our office says I’m really dating myself with “TV Dinner” in the title of this article.   TV Dinners were a prepackaged, frozen meal on a divided aluminum plate.  It came in a flat cardboard box. Our mothers would heat them in the regular oven.  Now there are hundreds of microwavable, prepackaged meals available.  They range from high calorie, high sodium entrees to low-calorie, low-fat, portion-controlled frozen meals.  They require very little preparation and contains all the elements for a single-serving meal.

One of the most significant factors associated with weight management is portion size control.  Countless studies have been done and thousands of articles have been written indicating that the current obesity epidemic is due in large part to portion sizes. Our weight management patients are requested to at least have a good set of measuring cups available. if not a food scale to check their portions.  One entire lesson is devoted to viewing food models and discussing portion sizes.  Even the healthiest food, in too large an amount ceases to be a benefit. 

Modern society still thinks that “more is better” in almost everything. The more money you have, the better; the more “toys” you have, the better; the more food you eat, the better(!?!).  Restaurants serve huge portions (and increased prices) and the home cook tends to mimic the amounts at home.  Even the United States Dept. of Agriculture has increased average portion size in its latest release of the nutrient value of foods database.  For example, the “standard” serving size of a glass of wine was 3.5 oz.  Now it has increased to 5 oz.

 The Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid serve as models for how to eat.  Using prepared foods in conjunction with these guidelines allows for balanced nutrition as well as simplicity in choosing what and how much to eat.  Although we have a tendency to eat the same foods over and over, occasionally we do look for a change.   

Since convenience is king in America, what easier way to add variety to your diet while at the same time watching portion size and getting accurate nutrition facts to meet your goals?  The nutrition panel on each meal gives us the information on calories, etc. to help us plan a healthy diet.  Most prepackaged meals are relatively well balanced including a protein source, a moderately low fat source and a source of carbohydrates. Although sodium content is a problem with many frozen meals, Lean Cuisine and Healthy Choice brands, for example, have reasonable calories, sodium and fat levels.   

A word of warning-Folks on some special diets for medical nutrition therapy should consult with their dietitian before adding prepackaged meals.  People with known or suspected food sensitivities most likely will find highly reactive foods or chemicals in these frozen meals and should read labels carefully.  A few food companies are starting to produce prepackaged meals that are free of preservatives and other commonly highly reactive foods.  They are usually found in the organic section of your grocery store.