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I like to cook and usually do at least 6 days a week. So I’m not familiar with most fully premade meals but I’m going to need some pre made stuff for a while. I’m not a food snob and certainly use some jarred sauces and things but for right now I need fully premade that is a little healthier that just regular take out.
Any recommendations? Giant, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s are available to me. |
| Is this just for you? |
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there’s nothing wrong with a food frozen pizza and some carrot sticks.
Frozen lasagna is usually pretty good - stouffers. Frozen Indian is also usually quite tasty. Most Amy’s frozen meals are decent. Not sure if you can do any cooking, but a can of chili with rice is not bad. |
Family - with 2 kids. So leftovers won’t go a long way. |
| I like Rao's frozen lasagnas and Rao's frozen pizzas. I know people who like the Trader Joe's frozen Mac & cheese. You can also buy refrigerated soups of various kinds at both Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. |
I, a person who loves salty foods, tried an Amy's frozen meal once and it tasted like a solid quart of salt had been dumped on it. I couldn't even eat half. |
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Most of the frozen family entrees at TJs will fit the bill.
If you have time, there are several stews, chilis, soups, casseroles, etc. you can make and freeze then reheat. That way, you can use better ingredients and control the salt. Use the foil pans so you don't have to deal with dishes. If you don't have time to prep ahead, look for reduced-sodium canned soups/chili (you can always add more). Sandwiches and bagged salads are quick, easy, and healthyish (healthier if you ditch the cold cuts and use chicken breast or "actual meat"). My kids like making "snack plates" (charcuterie), and would happily eat those several nights a week. You can buy prepped veggies/fruits and then have cheese, sliced salami, olives, etc. and crackers and/or bread. "breakfast for dinner" can be pretty much pre-made, too. If you can cook a little, but can't stand at the stove for an extended amount of time, you can make pasta in an instant pot in about 10 minutes and it doesn't suck. I've even done it with the barilla protein pasta, which holds its texture and offers better nutrition. Quick, cheap and simple. Throw in a bag of frozen veggies/spinach for better nutrition. |
Agreed. I was really surprised that such a 'healthy' brand would be so high sodium! |
| Bag of white meat chicken nuggets and bag of pre-made meatballs in the freezer. By the time they are heated up I've made pasta and steamed some broccoli and call it dinner. |
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We don't eat it often--but my whole family likes Trader Joe's carne asada burritos. We heat up some frozen corn. Serve with TJs pico de gallo and prepared guacamole.
Same with their frozen Korean short ribs. You could buy the frozen jasmine rice if you need to and throw it together quickly. I'm also a fan of the Lean Cuisine 4 cheese rigatoni. My kids like that one too. It's a lot of microwave time needed though. |
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We are a family of two and the Trader Joe's ravioli comes in cool flavors and generally has enough for three portions. We toss with jarred sauce and steam some broccoli and maybe sauté some mushrooms. The lasagne isn't bad either.
I'm also a fan of chili Mac. Can of turkey chili with beans plus pasta, usually rotini. Yum. |
I think there are some low sodium versions. |
| Install Yuka app and scan things at the store to see how healthy it is, this will help you find what you are looking for |
| My kids like the frozen gnocci at Trader Joe’s. |
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Costco Frozen Foods
marinated wild caught salmon Lasagna Chicken Cordon Bleue Broccoli Bibigo honey chicken or Just Bare Chicken bites Not Frozen Bibigo microwave sticky rice |