Hot Wings & Other Things

I am leaving about 90% of my eating plan as “whole foods” or “a clean diet” .. whichever you prefer. But I have noticed that in order to not get tired of the same types of foods, I need a little pizzazz.  I don’t have much time to spend cooking, so I have been sort of stockpiling things in the fridge that will last me 3-4 days. Like baking a whole cookie sheet of chicken breasts in the oven and fridging them, same with brown rice - make a whole pot and fridge it. That has helped me tremendously to stay on my plan. As before, I will allow myself a “free meal” once per week. Within reason!! The portion sizes need to be controlled. (see my other post from today as to why)  What I have added is twice per week (sometimes 3 times) I am having one of the low calorie frozen meals. Some of these are really very tasty - I am surprised at the quality.  I have found, though, that ones that have a veggie side (like broccoli) are not my faves. The veggies taste pretty yucky compared to fresh or frozen (steam-in-the-bag type). Doing this is allowing me to keep enjoying the healthy whole foods, while still feeling like I am getting some of the things I did love before, and without getting anywhere near going over on my calories. It’s been interesting this first two months - I have learned quite a bit about me and what I need to make this a lifestyle.

So, in this post I am going to list the most delicious low cal frozen meals I have had. Then I’ll have a running list toward the bottom of the post of frozen meals recommended by people on the 3FC forum in this thread that I really want to try. This is mainly for myself to refer to, but I thought others might like recommendations, too.

“Most Delicious” will be the ones I would buy over and over again. “In a Pinch” will be those I have tried and consider just okay - ones I would buy if a fave wasn’t available. “Not Worth It” - ones I have tried and would not buy again.

Most Delicious:

• Smart Ones Lasagna Florentine (290 cals)
• Smart Ones Savory Steak & Ranch Grilled Flatbread (300 cals)
• Lean Cuisine Stuffed Cabbage with Mashed Potatoes (210 cals)
• Marie Callender’s Pasta Al Dente - Old World Rigatoni Bolognese (340 cals - I think this is my new fave pasta brand!)

In a Pinch:

• Smart Ones Teriyaki Chicken & Vegetables (230 cals)

Not Worth It:

Want to Try:

Cedarlane products: These are natural and organic as well - look quite tasty! See here: Cedarlane Foods for info, where to buy, etc. You can also bulk order these online & ships free to your door in the U.S.! For me, I will look at my local Hy-Vee - it says on their site that these should be carried at that store.

Lean Cuisine:

• Roasted Garlic and Chicken Pizza
• Philly Steak Flatbread Melt
• Asian Potstickers
• Chicken Fettuccine
• Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
• Baked Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Stuffing

Smart Ones (by Weight Watchers):

• Chicken Mirabella
• Creamy Rigatoni with Broccoli and Chicken

Kashi:

• Southwest Chicken

Michelina (Light):

• Buffalo Snack Bites

Marie Callenders:

• Stuffed Pasta Trio

Also mentioned was Indian frozen meals from Tandoor Chef - can’t get those around here, but need to keep an eye out when traveling.

Posted on September 5th, 2009 by hotwings
Filed under: Reviews