Frozen foods may seem like a convenient way to make dinner in no time, but many of them are actually highly processed and loaded with sodium, artificial ingredients, and unhealthy fats. In addition to being unhealthy, some frozen foods contain hidden ingredients that can cause allergies or sensitivities and lead to other health issues.
The good news is that you don’t have to completely eliminate all store-bought frozen meals—you just need to know which are healthy alternatives and which to avoid. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 7 frozen foods you should stop eating now for your long-term health!
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Pre-cooked and frozen dinners:
These convenience foods are usually loaded with unhealthy fats, sodium, and preservatives that can adversely affect your health. From fried chicken to beef enchiladas, many of these packaged meals contain over 1000 mg of sodium per serving, not to mention highly processed ingredients like hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors and MSG (E 621). Eating these types of frozen foods can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other chronic health conditions.
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Frozen fries:
Although they may seem innocent at first glance, frozen french fries are actually among the worst offenders when it comes to unhealthy prepared foods. Most frozen varieties are fried in unhealthy trans fats before they are even placed in the oven or deep fryer; moreover, they are often loaded with added salt and sugar for flavor. Consuming a large amount of trans fats can ultimately lead to increased cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular diseases.
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Frozen breakfast sandwiches:
Many brands offer “healthy” breakfast sandwiches in a convenient on-the-go format, but their nutritional value is generally low. They often contain high levels of fat from processed meats like sausage or bacon, as well as high amounts of sodium from cheese and breadcrumbs, which can add up quickly if you eat them regularly as breakfast. lunch.
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Pre-Breaded Frozen Fish Sticks:
Much like the previously mentioned fries, most pre-breaded fish sticks also contain unhealthy trans fats that can clog your arteries in the long run if you eat them too often. Additionally, most brands also contain high amounts of preservatives which can harm your overall health if consumed frequently enough and deplete your body’s natural vitamins and minerals due to an increased need for helps digestion during consumption.
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Prepared pizzas:
Who doesn’t love pizza? Unfortunately, most store-bought pizza isn’t particularly healthy, especially when bought frozen or made ahead! The dough is usually made from white flour that has been stripped of its nutrients during the baking process. Plus, most pizzas contain a lot of cheese, an ingredient known to be high in saturated fat, making it a meal you should avoid eating too often!
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Frozen pies:
Like the prepared pizzas mentioned above, most pies don’t have much nutritional value, even though they are delicious! The puff pastry on top is made from refined flour, while the filling usually contains a combination of fatty meats such as beef or chicken and cream sauces.
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Individual frozen meals (TV dinners):
Last but not least, we have frozen entrees probably one of the worst offenders when it comes to unhealthy frozen foods! The majority of them are full of sodium (sometimes more than double the recommended daily allowance) and unhealthy fats due to the presence of processed meats such as salami or sausage patties; plus, most are slathered in creamy sauces that boost their calorie count even further! Additionally, almost all frozen entrees lack a decent source of vegetables, making them a very poor choice nutritionally.
