In 1953, the Swanson company first introduced TV dinners. Back then, the only way to make them was in your oven. Today though, TV dinners have completely changed. Not only are you able to microwave them, you can also find a great selection of choices.

Over the years, the quality of these frozen meals have improved significantly as far as taste goes. But are they healthy? Much of it really depends on what you choose.

– They’re a better choice over fast food

If you genuinely had the kind of day that makes you want to curl up into a ball and you have no desire to cook anything, a TV dinner is a better choice over fast food. Depending on which meal you select, you’ll be getting vegetables and proteins which are good for you.

– But many have additives

TV dinners usually contain more sodium and sugar than a homecooked meal. But that’s still a better alternative than driving through the drive-thru or ordering a pizza. Compared to cooking your own meal, it’s certainly not the best choice though. You’ll always have something more nutritious if you meal plan and freeze healthier, homecooked meals to eat on busy nights instead.

– Many contain more fat too

Some of the most common choices for TV dinners include pot pies, lasagna, mac and cheese, and less-than-healthy meal options. One pot pie contains 30 grams of fat, 11 of those grams from saturated fat, a terrible choice that raises cholesterol levels and puts you at risk for heart disease.

If You Must Choose TV Dinners, Choose Wisely

In a perfect world, we’d all have time to cook healthy, delicious dinners ever night. Or we’d at least be prepared with healthy dinners we had prepped beforehand. But there likely will be times when that’s not an option. In these circumstances, choosing a TV dinner will be best.

It once was the case that the healthy options were slim, pardon the pun, in choice at supermarkets. Now, more and more of them exist with flavorful combinations of healthy ingredients. You should look for one that has a side of vegetables, or where vegetables are the main event. Whole-wheat options with pasta or brown rice are a good choice too. And there are plenty with lean proteins including vegetarian and vegan options too. TV dinners aren’t what they used to be, allowing you to get a healthier choice from the freezer section in a pinch. But they’re still not as good as a homecooked meal. Having one every now and then isn’t a bad thing though, and certainly beats the fast food alternative!