Smart Splurges in the Frozen Food Aisle

We all need to indulge now and then to avoid deprivation and overeating. Frozen foods can be a great way to treat ourselves - not only for taste and convenience, but for built in portion control. As the frozen food aisles continue to expand, there are many fabulous new options. That's the topic of my Today Show segment (check back later for the video).

Here are some tips for some smart indulgences in the frozen food aisle:

1. Check out the box size - avoid those that say "hungry man"; "hearty portions" and similar large-size hints
2. Look for labels that include words like "lean","light", "healthy", and "smart"
3. Read the label to make sure of the serving size - it might look like a serving for one, but the calories listed are for 2 or more
4. Don't be confused by labels saying "sugar free" or "fat free" which don't mean "calorie free"
5. Feel free to eat LESS than the serving size - you don't need to eat four bagel bites listed as a serving; if you just want a taste pizza, stick with one or two!

We all have our frozen favorites, and it's a good idea to have some items in the freezer to turn to now and then for a special treat. Almost all frozen foods are available in single-serving portions - so great for getting the satisfaction of eating the "whole thing". The built-in portion control is a plus for a splurge, and can save hundreds of calories when compared to a restaurant take-out.

Here are some smart splurges in four popular frozen sections. What are your own favorites?

PIZZA
Lean Cuisine French Bread Pizza 290 calories; 8 gm fat
Lean Pockets Pepperoni Pizza 280 calories 7 gm fat
Bagel Bites (4) 220 calories 7 gm fat

FROZEN ENTREES
"Asian": Lean Cuisine Sweet and Sour Chicken (10 oz) 300 cal; 3 gm fat
"Meat and Potatoes": South Beach meatloaf 210 cal; 9 gm fat
"italian": Michelina's Lean Gourmet Chicken Parmigiano 250 calories 4.5 gm fat

SNACKS
Home Bistro shrimp cocktail 130 cal
Tyson Grilled Chicken Strips 110 cal
Lean Pocket Whole Grain Stuffed Sandwiches 210 cal

ICE CREAM / DESSERTS
Slim-a-Bear ice cream sandwich 100 cal
Luigi's Italian Ice (lemon or cherry) - 6 ounce cups 120 cal
Skinny Cow - ice cream bars 160 cal
Fudgsicle 70 cal
Sugar Free Fudgsicle 35 cal
Sugar Free Popsicles 10 cal
Smart Ones Cheesecake 150 cal
Smart Ones Eclair 140 cal

Indulge wisely and enjoy!

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More on this topic from Madelyn Fernstrom:

• Is It Worth the Splurge? Fabulous Frozen Food Finds

Comments

I'm a big fan of VitaMuffins and VitaBrownies by Vitalicious. I'm also a big fan of making my own meals and freezing them for my own healthy version of convenience foods on another night when I don't feel like cooking.

I really like the Kashi brand frozen pizzas, but haven't tried the entrees yet. I also try to always freeze individual portions for myself when I do cook. It's great to be able to pull out one portion to take to work for lunch and pop in the microwave. Plus, then I know exactly what I'm eating.