Lean Cusines
 

Okay so I am counting Calories. But I have a question I have been really good and I am just wondering even though Lean Cuisines say they are healthy are they okay to eat. Alot of there meals are made with white pasta and bread.

They're pretty low in calories and fat, and reasonable in sodium. The only thing is that they can be unsatisfying - pair them with a salad or some fruit if they don't fill you up.

they really aren't too bad... I eat them a couple times a week. I think they are delicious!

well they arent the best if your trying to eat really clean, because they are really processed, but as far as calories/fat content and protien, they arent bad, i eat them often when i dont feel like cooking dinner, and its an easy way to keep track of calories that go in my body.

I eat them a couple times a week, more often lunch than supper because I have an 11 month old so sometimes it's not in the cards to take time to prepare something :D
They are not super healthy, I watch the sodium so I try to drink an extra glass of water when I eat one.. also they are low on volume so if I were having one for supper I would add some low glycemic veggies, esp since there is lots of extra sauce usually.
You're right- they DO have white noodles , white rice etc,. But for me personally I am limiting my sugars, and just strictly reducing my starchy carbs. If you look carefully there really isn't much of a portion of noodles at all ;) I'd be more concerned about the lack of protein (in some cases) .

I say go for it! Its nice to have a super quick option when you need it.
I love the thai peanut chicken..the chicken carbonara, and the meat lasagna.
Even the chicken parmesan is yum. Didn't like the paninis though :(

Pros: low in calories and fat and convenient

Cons: highly processed, higher in sodium, calories may be too low for dinner

I would recommend them in moderation. You are always better off with fresh meats and veggies but if convenience is important and you need a quick lunch or dinner, they definitely serve the purpose. I like the Mac & Cheese or the Roasted Potatoes with Broccoli in Cheese Sauce for lunch, usually paired with fruit. I'm not a big fan of the meals with meat as I don't care for the taste of the beef and chicken in the meals - the consistency is always very soft and not "real" tasting.

I think LC tastes better than most of the frozen meals available. Although I don't eat them often, I try to keep a few in my freezer for those times when I'm alone and don't feel like cooking. I started buying those marked Dinner Selects. They have a bit more food than the regular LC meals.

When it comes to your options, a frozen meal like LC is a lot better then take out when you need something fast and easy or don't feel like cooking.

In my experience LC tastes better then a lot of brands I've tried, just watch your overall sodium intake for the day.

I think they're okay once in a while. However, I don't eat them regularly. They have a lot of sodium in them and are very processed. In fact, I tend to stay away from most of Smart Ones and Healthy Choice frozen meals for the same reason. I remember LC use to make meals that used whole wheat pasta but I guess they discontinued those. Occasionally, I'll eat a LC if I don't feel like cooking or have the time to cook.

lean cuisines "spa classics" have wheat pasta and sweet potato instead of mashed white.

edit: no the wheat pasta ones are still around. the chicken in peanut sauce is my fave! :D

Thanks! I thought LC had some wheat pasta ones. The local super WalMart doesn't care them though. Here I am thinking they were discontinued!

wow i didnt know LC made ANY whole wheat meals! i'm going to have to check this out!!

now that i think about it though- i dont really eat a lot of frozen dinners anymore... my food tastes better! haha

I try to eat whole and organic foods and so I love Amy's frozen meals. Brown rice & veggies, the mexican bowl. And Seeds of Change makes some yummy meals as does Kashi. All can be found at Whole Foods or your local co-op.

I've done frozen meals a few times for the sheer convenience and don't really see a problem with them. The only problem I've found is that they really didn't satisfy me, for the same amount of calories I can eat a ton more food if I prepare it. But, I am lucky enough to be able to work at home most days - if I worked outside of the home more I'm sure I would have relied more on them now and then.

These days they wouldn't really suit my dietary needs - but I think they'd be a great step for someone on the run, learning portion control or menu planning.