Microwave Meals: Dos and Don'ts!

Microwave dinners! Quick, convenient, and sometimes even quite tasty. The question is, are they truly diet—and health--friendly? Well, here’s the deal, folks…

Pros of Microwave Meals:

-Portion Control: You don’t have to worry about deciding how much to eat, because the meal serving sizes have already been determined for you! These options are helpful for those who struggle with portion control…especially if you are tracking your calories, which are listed on the back.

-Variety: There are a variety of microwave meals available now to meet your dietary needs, such as vegan, vegetarian, organic, gluten free, etc. These can be helpful for those with dietary restrictions, especially for people who don’t have the time or the means to buy expensive products to make the meals they prefer.

-Convenience: Microwave meals are quick and easy! If you are on a diet and have a demanding job or struggle with managing kids and the everyday challenges of life, sometimes the convenience of a microwave meal can be a lifesaver.

-Storage: These meals will last for a very long time in a freezer, so in a pinch, you can always have a healthy option on hand and not worry about storage time.

Cons of Microwave Meals:

-Sodium- Salt is often used as a preservative or a flavor additive in microwave meals, sometimes to the point where it can be harmful to your health. If you decide to pick microwave meals out, try to select LOW SODIUM OPTIONS. In a total day, the recommended FDA amount is 1500 mg a day for optimum blood pressure and decreasing related health risks (see http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/fda-recommended-sodium-intake-1873.html for more information). Don’t jeopardize your health for convenience!

-Understanding CALORIES- Remember that there are sometimes multiple servings in a microwave meal. If the box size says: Calories: 200; Serving Size: 2, then the total calories in the meal equals 400 calories, NOT 200! It’s important to pay attention to these details if you are monitoring calories in your diet.

-Processed Food- Fresh fruits, veggies, and proteins are not processed in the same way that microwave foods are, simply because they are not meant to be preserved for long periods of time. Therefore, fresh foods do not have the same additives or chemicals that microwave foods may have. Keep this in mind—you want to keep your body as free of toxins as possible, while still maintaining a healthy diet. It’s not just about calories; it’s about how you FEEL.

-The Meal Experience: If you have the time, making a meal with your loved ones can be a wonderful and fulfilling experience. Cooking can bring a family together, whether you are preparing a gourmet meal with your friends and family in the kitchen, or simply enjoying a leisurely evening with your loved ones over one simple dish. There is something to be said for enjoying a meal, rather than rushing through it simply for the sake of convenience. Preparing a meal together can help emotional and mental health, which is just as important as physical health! At NEXT LEVEL, we believe that health is about overall lifestyle, not just rushing through the day, trying to get by!

            Well, NEXT LEVEL FitFam, we hope this information helps guide you through your nutritional choices the next time you hit up the supermarket…or just look in your fridge, for that matter! Remember that the NEXT LEVEL trainers are always happy to help answer your nutrition and fitness questions. We want you to feel and look your very best!

Wishing you a healthy and happy week!

Dr. Abu Pigott

Aurora Baxter