5 Healthy Brands for Imperfect Meal-Time

Sep 25, 2020 | Uncategorized

It’s becoming more and more popular to get back into the kitchen and away from packaged & convenient foods. Which I am praising the healthy food angels for. The issue is, we’ve become obsessed with things like homesteading, slow food, and meal-prepping, but haven’t thought about slowing our life down.
Β 
The expectation of these new food/health fads are causing us more stress, instead of what they are intended to help us with, which is SLOW DOWN.
Perfectionists are always moving, always busy and have their vegan & gluten-free meals packed away in their glass containers. But what happens when the typical β€œshit hits the fan?” We are the kind of people that are all or nothing. Life is great when everything is going our way, but when it doesn’t, we can be 3 cars into the Chik-Fil-A drive-through. You know what I mean?
Β 
So, how do we save ourselves from over-spending with restaurant food when we’re stressed or too busy to cook? How can we still meet our health goals when we aren’t focused on meal-prepping or cooking from scratch? By….
Embracing the Freezer

Because I live alone most of the time, I have mastered some mealtime hacks that work for me, my goals, and my lifestyle. I want you to figure this out for yourself, too. What I have found helpful is not trying to be perfect with the way that I eat. Yes, I am a Health Coach, but by proving that I eat from scratch on my IG stories every day, is not realistic.
Β 
Instead I get real with myself and hack my way out of busyness & eating healthy. It doesn’t mean I’m unhealthy or a failure at meal-prepping. Choosing some healthy ready-made options may be something that works for you, too.
Choosing frozen meals over canned is going to be a healthier choice, by far. When foods are frozen, they keep more of their nutritional value and don’t need as many preservatives to keep fresh. The veggies in the dish, are usually picked at their peak season and maintain that freshness until you pop it in the microwave. (Mana.md)
Β 
Are you someone who does not resonate with any of these slow-food goals? Hate cooking? Well, frozen healthy meals may also be an option for you instead of ordering Door Dash every day. But beware, not all labels are good, even if they do say “all-natural.” When it comes to choosing healthier frozen meals, reading ingredient lists and sugar levelsΒ  should be your first priority. (lifehacker.com)
Β 
Below, I share my top 5 frozen meal brands that I love and trust. Their recipes are not slimy, packed with nutrients, and have minimal ingredients. Now, let’s get into some of my favs.

1. Evol

This name may sound super weird, but when I found out it was “love” backwards, I was hooked. Their ingredient lists are clean and have lots of different styles of dishes: Thai, Indian, Mexican, Italian… They come in small portioned out bowls with lots of veggie-heavy meals to choose from. I’ve loved their Butternut Squash and Sage Ravioli, as well as their Balance Bowl. Evol has gluten-free and vegetarian options to suit everyone’s preferences.

2. Amy’s

This popular company has been my go-to for ready-made meals for a long time. I’ve enjoyed her snacks, dry pastas, and canned soups for years. What I didn’t find out until recently is that she has everything from frozen pizza to frozen burritos.Β Amy’sΒ variety is great for a grab and go kind of day. Her ingredients are wholesome and filling. Her meals never disappoint. Some of my favorites have been the Black Bean Veggie Enchilada and the 3 Cheese and Kale Bake Bowl! Yum.Β 

3. Birch Benders

Ok ok….this isn’t like the other brands of savory bowls, pizzas, and wraps. But, it’s a great breakfast option! Throw these frozen waffles in the toaster and smother them with some nut butter, seeds and berries. Voila, you have a quick & healthy meal with little to no effort. Me & my husband are obsessed with the pancake mix and have a Sunday tradition going. Yet, when he’s away, it’s nice to have this breakfast treat without pulling out the pan and mixing bowls. Birch Benders caters their frozen waffles to anyone with unique dietary needs. One’s I’ve been loving lately have been, the Paleo & Protein-packed versions.Β 

4. Hilary’s

Looking for a decent veggie burger? This brand is for you. I pop between a few brands, but I always keep coming back to this one. The burgers are packed with REAL veggies and ingredients you can pronounce. Her minimal, yet nutritional approach to a classic dish, makes me feel like I’m not compromising any of my health goals. The flavors and spices keep me craving it over and over again between my bread slices. The Hemp & Greens flavor is the bomb! Did I mention it’s Organic?

5. Sweet Earth

I most definitely saved the best for last. I am completely in love with Sweet Earth’s Vegan Veggie Lovers Pizza. I recommend it to everyone I know. Fun fact…it’s also won awards. It’s packed with nutrients, fiber, and protein, while also being Organic & GMO-free. This meal is more of a “get home from work late and wanna throw dinner together,” kind of thing. You do need the oven, but it is so worth it. I prefer this pizza over any other pizza I’ve ever had because I know I’m fueling my body right, but also filling a craving. Sweet Earth also has lots of other healthy frozen meals to choose from besides pizza, but I prefer this one.Β 

I’ve worked with lots of women over the years, and the one thing that holds them back from eating healthy is time. Like my friend, Lauren. She is a recovering Perfectionist who always likes to keep busy. She was constantly doing things for others and seemed to always overcommit. When we worked together, I wanted her to take small steps toward increasing her veggies & limiting packaged foods. Going from zero to 100 of cooking all her meals, was unrealistic at first. So, we decided together on some healthy ready-made meals that she could have 2-3 times per week. This was a game-changer. This little shift, helped her to feel like she was still making healthy choices without having to completely alter her lifestyle. This could be you, too.
Β 
It’s time to start moving away from trying to be perfect, to doing the best you can in the moment. Sometimes, healthy frozen meals may do the trick. If you’re not an avid cook or have a busy lifestyle I would recommend looking into these healthy brands. They have been life-changing for trying to maintain my health when I’m stressed or very busy.

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive tips and advice on loving yourself more and living a healthy life!

Thanks for subscribing!