Foods are perishable, which means they go bad fast if not stored properly. We put most of our food in the fridge and for good reason: cold air keeps food fresh and slows down bacteria activity so food will go bad slower.

But there are foods that should never be frozen and one of the common mistakes people do is after they thaw meat products, they re-freeze them back. Here are the top 7 worst frozen foods to avoid:

Frozen Pizza

Pizza is one of the tastiest foods in the world: but it’s not healthy at all. Though it may be loaded with flavor, you might want to think twice before consuming frozen pizza for two reasons: first, it’s a pre-cooked product and it’s likely to have tens of additives, preservatives and other chemicals.

Second, even if it has nutritious veggies, the cooking process will destroy some of their properties. If you must, eat a fresh pizza rather than frozen!

Frozen Burrito

Who doesn’t love this Mexican favorite? Tasty as it may be, avoid the frozen burrito at all cost: it has 500 calories and over 15 grams of fat, half of which are saturated.

Leaving aside the nutritional value of the frozen burrito which is not diet food at all, burritos can get watery when you thaw and cook them. And the golden rule of frozen foods is this: the fewer ingredients the better!

Frozen Cheeseburgers

Frozen cheeseburgers are usually smaller than the cheeseburgers you’re used to. Small as they may be, they have great nutritional deficiencies and even if you’re tired from work and want to just throw a frozen cheeseburger in the microwave, you might want to think twice.

The average cheeseburger has 10 grams of fat and is packed with sodium and very low in dietary fiber so you’ll be hungry again soon.

Frozen Macaroni And Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a very tasty Italian dish as long as it’s cooked fresh. If you cook it on the spot, you can be sure it’s natural and somewhat healthy. But if you buy frozen macaroni and cheese, it usually has artificial additives, tons of sodium, trans-fats and many other ingredients that can harm your health if you consume them regularly.

Macaroni and cheese is a very tasty Italian dish as long as it’s cooked fresh. If you cook it on the spot, you can be sure it’s natural and somewhat healthy.

But if you buy frozen macaroni and cheese, it usually has artificial additives, tons of sodium, trans-fats and many other ingredients that can harm your health if you consume them regularly.

Frozen Chicken Nuggets/Fried Chicken

Frozen foods and frozen meals are loaded with unhealthy fats, excess calories and high sodium so they are one of the worst options for a healthy diet. These frozen dinners are high in saturated fat and lack the nutrients found in fresh whole foods. To counterbalance these deficiencies, it’s crucial to incorporate other nutrient-rich foods into your diet, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Unlike fresh and nutrient dense options, frozen foods are highly processed and contain a bunch of preservatives, flavor enhancers and artificial fillers that can harm your health. Frozen chicken nuggets for example are deep fried and contain trans fats which can cause cardiovascular problems and other chronic diseases.

The Risks of Frozen Meals Convenience

Compared to homemade balanced meals, these highly processed foods and frozen meals are a bad choice. While the convenience of frozen vegetables and other frozen foods may be tempting, frozen meals tend to be nutritionally inadequate, often lacking in essential nutrients and containing high levels of sodium and unhealthy fats. Choose fresh whole food ingredients whenever possible and nourish your body and support your overall well being.

Adding more fresh and minimally processed foods to your diet and limiting your intake of frozen foods high in saturated fat and unhealthy fats can help you have a balanced and nutrient rich lifestyle and reduce your risk of chronic diseases. Choosing consciously the foods you eat is a big step in taking care of your overall health and well being.

Excessive Sodium, Sugar, and Saturated Fats

Frozen dinners and meals often come with a hidden cost: excessive amounts of sodium, sugar, and saturated fats. These ingredients, while enhancing flavor and shelf life, can wreak havoc on your health. High sodium intake is a leading cause of hypertension, which can escalate into more severe cardiovascular diseases. Similarly, excessive sugar can contribute to obesity and diabetes, while saturated fats are notorious for clogging arteries and increasing the risk of heart disease.

While frozen foods can be a convenient and sometimes healthy option, it’s crucial to scrutinize the nutritional labels. Opt for frozen vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products, which are generally lower in these harmful ingredients. By making informed choices, you can enjoy the convenience of frozen foods without compromising your health.

Frozen French Fries

If french fries are not healthy at all, imagine how bad frozen french fries can be. Besides the fact that fries have high amount of salt, carbohydrates, calories and fat that can clog your arteries, frozen french fries are even worse because they are stored in plastic bags and some chemicals found in plastic (like acrylamide for example) can cause cancer.

Frozen french fries may look like a convenient side dish but it’s far from a healthy choice. These processed potato products are loaded with unhealthy fats, excess calories and high sodium so they are one of the worst foods you can eat.

Unlike fresh whole fruits and vegetables, frozen french fries lack the nutrients and fiber that supports overall health and cardiovascular health. Deep frying further depletes the remaining nutrients and adding cheese sauce and other processed meat toppings makes it even unhealthier.

Frozen french fries are also high in refined sugars, harmful preservatives and other additives that can harm your well being. The longer shelf life may be tempting but it comes at the cost of fresh ingredients and optimal nutritional value.

When grocery shopping be mindful of the milligrams of sodium and unhealthy fats in frozen french fries and other convenience foods. Choose healthier alternatives like mashed potatoes made with unsaturated fats and you’ll be able to have a balanced diet and not be tempted to eat mindlessly. By choosing consciously to prioritize nutrient dense whole food options you can support your overall health and flavor without compromising your cardiovascular health.

Frozen Pies And Sweets

Supermarkets are full of frozen goodies that are ready in minutes but these frozen pies are not healthy and you should avoid them: if you have a sweet tooth go for the natural homemade pie. At least this way you know all the ingredients and the amount of sugar you use.

Frozen pies, cakes and other sweet treats may look like a convenient indulgence but they are far from a healthy choice. These worst frozen foods are loaded with processed foods, high fructose corn syrup and artificial trans fats so they are some of the most nutritionally bankrupt options out there.

Unlike a diet rich in whole unprocessed ingredients these frozen desserts have fewer nutritious ingredients and higher amount of saturated fat and calories. This can lead to many health problems like high blood pressure and poor gut health.

While the temptation to grab a quick sweet frozen treat is strong, choose nutritional value and make more conscious choices with your diet. Choose healthier alternatives like fresh fruits or a small serving of dark chocolate and you’ll be able to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your overall health and well being.

Add olive oil and other nutrient dense foods to your daily life and you’ll be able to support a balanced diet and reduce your reliance on processed foods and unhealthy frozen options. Remember small changes to your eating habits can have a big impact on your long term health and quality of life.

Microwave Frozen Calzone with Pepperoni and three Cheeses

Microwave frozen calzone with pepperoni and three cheeses may look like a convenient option but it’s far from a healthy choice. These pre packaged snacks are loaded with unhealthy fats, excess calories and high sodium so they are one of the worst foods you can eat.

Frozen calzones are high in trans fats which can harm your blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health. The excessive oil used and deep frying process can add unhealthy fats and lead to many health problems.

These frozen meals lack the nutrients found in a balanced whole food diet. They are low in lean protein sources, colorful vegetables and whole grains which are essential for mental health and overall well being. The excess calories and multiple portions can also lead to weight gain and metabolic problems.

Compared to a homemade nutrient dense meal these frozen dinners are a bad choice. While preservative methods may extend their shelf life the trade off in terms of nutritional content and health risks is not worth it. Choose fresh whole food ingredients and avoid pre packaged snacks high in saturated and trans fats and you’ll nourish your body and support your long term balanced diet and cardiovascular health.

Add this to the list of worst foods. How good can a frozen meal cooked in the microwave taste? The calzone comes out dry, tasteless and full of calories!

Chicken Pot Pie

Frozen chicken pot pie may look like a convenient option but it’s far from a healthy choice. These frozen meals are loaded with unhealthy fats, excess calories and high sodium so they are one of the worst foods you can eat.

Frozen food and frozen dinners are high in saturated fat and lack the nutrients found in a balanced whole food diet. They are low in fresh and nutrient dense foods like frozen vegetables and frozen fruits which are essential for overall health and well being.

A Nutritional Minefield: Saturated Fat

These ultra processed frozen meals are also high in sodium which can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems. The calorie and fat content of these traditional frozen meals can also lead to weight gain and other metabolic problems.

Compared to a homemade nutrient dense meal these frozen meals are a bad choice. While frozen food may be convenient the trade off in terms of nutritional content and health risks is not worth it. Choose healthier fat alternatives and add more nutrient dense foods to your diet and you’ll nourish your body and support your long term health and well being.

For example there are 1160 calories, 26 grams of saturated fat in the entire Stouffer’s White Meat Chicken Pot Pie. This frozen meal will make your body feel uncomfortable.

Pizza Hamburger

Now can you think of anything more fattening than Pizza Hamburger combo. Full of preservatives, MSG, hydrogenated fats and just badness. Processed meats are full of nitrates (a preservative that is also a carcinogen) and can lead to colon cancer. If you want to eat pizza or hamburgers get a recipe with simple ingredients and make it yourself. You’ll feel so much better afterwards! Your body will thank you.

As winter approaches fresh fruits and vegetables become scarce and that’s why many people freeze them and use them later on. We have all asked ourselves at least once: which one is more nutritious, the fresh or the frozen? As research suggests there is little to no difference in nutrients between fresh and frozen.

The secret lies in the preparation process as the cooking method can dramatically affect the natural properties of fruits. In essence fresh and frozen have relatively the same amount of healthy nutrients it all comes down to how you cook them. And yes fresh can have even less nutrients since when shipped to the fresh produce aisles of the largest supermarkets they are usually picked before they are ripe.

So they don’t have time to develop full spectrum of minerals and vitamins therefore they will never have their natural nutritional value. And with prolonged exposure to heat and light it can further break down the nutrients and vitamins especially thiamin.

Frozen Dinners and Meals

Frozen dinners and meals are often a go-to for busy individuals, but they come with their own set of nutritional pitfalls. These meals are typically highly processed and may contain fewer nutritious ingredients than you might expect. High levels of sodium, sugar, and saturated fats are common culprits, contributing to a range of health issues from hypertension to obesity.

When shopping for frozen dinners, it’s essential to focus on the ingredients and nutritional content. Look for options that are lower in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats, and higher in nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, lean protein sources, and whole grains. By making smarter choices, you can enjoy the convenience of frozen meals without the associated health risks.

The Impact of Unhealthy Frozen Foods on Health

The convenience of frozen foods often comes at a significant cost to your health. Many frozen dinners and meals are loaded with sodium and saturated fats, which can have detrimental effects on your blood pressure and heart health. High sodium levels can lead to hypertension, while saturated fats can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

It’s essential to be mindful of the nutritional content of frozen foods. Opt for options that are lower in sodium and saturated fats to mitigate these health risks. By making conscious choices, you can enjoy the convenience of frozen foods without compromising your long-term health.

Blood Pressure and Heart Health

Frozen dinners and meals can be a hidden minefield for those concerned about blood pressure and heart health. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams per day, with an even lower limit of 1,500 milligrams for individuals with hypertension. However, many frozen dinners can contain upwards of 1,000 milligrams of sodium, contributing to more than half of the recommended daily intake in just one meal.

To protect your heart health, it’s crucial to monitor your sodium intake. Choose frozen dinners that are lower in sodium and pair them with fresh or frozen vegetables to create a more balanced meal. By being mindful of your sodium intake, you can enjoy the convenience of frozen foods without compromising your cardiovascular health.

Choosing Healthier Alternatives

When it comes to frozen foods, not all options are created equal. Choosing healthier alternatives to traditional frozen entrees can significantly benefit your health. Fresh and frozen foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products are excellent choices, as they tend to be lower in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats.

Pair these nutrient-rich foods with lean protein sources and healthy fats to create a balanced meal. By making smarter choices, you can enjoy the convenience of frozen foods while still maintaining a healthy diet.

Fresh and Frozen Foods: A Healthier Option

Fresh and frozen foods can be a healthier option compared to traditional frozen entrees. Frozen vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products are rich in nutrients and can be paired with lean protein sources and healthy fats to create a balanced meal. Fresh foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and lean protein sources, are also excellent choices as they tend to be lower in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats.

By prioritizing fresh and frozen foods that are nutrient-dense, you can support your overall health and well-being. These healthier options provide the convenience you need without the nutritional drawbacks of traditional frozen entrees.

Conclusion

In season fruits and vegetables should be eaten fresh, off season foods can be frozen. That’s the rule of thumb if you want to get the highest concentration of nutrients.

While frozen food may seem convenient they often come with nutritional drawbacks that can harm your overall health. Compared to fresh whole food alternatives many frozen meals and snacks are highly processed and contain excessive amounts of unhealthy fats, sodium and added preservatives.

Nutrient Depletion and Unhealthy Additives in Highly Processed Foods

Freezing can strip away or break down many of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in fresh produce. And many frozen foods are loaded with saturated fats, trans fats and other unhealthy additives that can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and weight gain. To mitigate these effects, it’s important to incorporate other nutrient-rich foods into your diet, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Fresh Whole Foods First

In contrast, eating fresh in-season fruits and vegetables gives you the highest concentration of nutrients for heart health, immune function, and overall well-being. While frozen foods can be a convenient alternative when fresh produce is not available, frozen meals tend to be nutritionally inadequate, often lacking in essential nutrients and containing high levels of sodium and unhealthy fats.

By making a conscious effort to include more fresh whole foods in your meals and limit your intake of processed frozen foods, you can take proactive steps to nourish your body and reduce your risk of chronic diseases. Frozen foods may be convenient, but the trade-off in terms of nutritional content and health impact is just not worth it in the long run. Prioritize a balanced plant-based diet rich in fresh seasonal produce for overall health and well-being.