Amy’s Kitchen introduced some new healthier frozen meals on store shelves recently.
This new variety is called “light and lean” for the lower calorie level.
We liked her burritos, so is this finally a healthy frozen meal option?
Healthy Positives
- No added MSG
- Trans fat free
- No preservatives
- Organic ingredients
- Some gluten free and vegan options
- Complete protein vegetarian meals
- Kosher
- No GMOs (genetically modified organisms) used
- Less than 600 mg sodium per entrée
- Less than 300 calories per entrée
Not Many Negatives
There are not many drawbacks to choosing these light and lean Amy’s meals. The only negative is that if you are trying to watch your sodium levels, it would be hard to keep low. Most meals are, on average, 550 mg.
Watch out for plastic packaging as well. When we microwave food, it is possible that toxins can leach into the food. To be safe, remove the frozen food from the packaging and heat on a ceramic or glass plate. Or, look for the package to say it is BPA free.
Varieties of Amy’s Meals
- 3 Cheese Penne Bowl: 270 calories
- Bean & Cheese Burrito or Enchilada: 280 calories
- Cheese Pizza: 270 calories
- Italian Vegetable Pizza: 280 calories
- Pasta & Veggies: 210 calories
- Roasted Polenta: 140 calories
- Soft Taco Fiesta: 220 calories
- Spaghetti Italiano Bowl: 240 calories
- Spinach Lasagna: 250 calories
- Sweet & Sour Bowl: 250 calories
These meals are perfect if you are watching your calorie intake, but need something quickly (or a back-up meal!). If you feel these meals are not filling enough, try adding a side fruit or vegetable, or even a side of beans or lentils for more protein.
Another idea would be to re-create these meals at home from scratch. You can make multiple servings, and then re-heat for lunches or dinner.
