frankly , this six - minute microwave oven meal rivals a restaurant entree .
Target | Design : Better Homes & Gardens
As a self-employed modus vivendi author , I consider myself beyond favourable to be able to drop my Clarence Day team up with mixologists to predict thedrink of summer , interview expert about subject likeif European olive tree petroleum pass away , and admit you on tours inside some of theprettiest hotel gardenson the satellite .
Credit:Target | Design: Better Homes & Gardens
For the preceding 16 years , I ’ve contributed to clip that focus on everything from travel and wine to fitness and nutrition . Beyond story topics , these are all passion of mine . And with a personal training certificate and a level in kinesiology , a wellness focal point often sneaks into many aspects of my personal and professional life .
I know the value and benefits of moving and fueling your body . In fact , I ’ve lost reckoning of how many multiplication I ’ve describe about the encroachment ofeating enough — and devour a wide variety of whole foods — and how this is crucial for help our muscles and our minds tend at full content .
Still , I squeal that during fussy days when I ’m working from habitation , I do n’t always follow this crucial , proven - lawful advice . Confession : For several months leading up to January 2024 , I had been known to seize a piece of fruit and a protein legal community and call it “ lunch . ”
Credit: Adam Albright
I do n’t have data to back this up , but I ’m guessing I ’m not alone in my hesitation to take a long break from work over the lunch hour to whip up a meal from incision . Nor do I always need to devote five hours on a Sunday tomeal prep . ( Although kudos to all of you rock ‘n’ roll star who do just that ! )
For those of us in need of quick - mess fare that ’s an real meal ( not just a snack or two thrown together ) , I made it my missionary post to embark on taste my way through several of the most wholesome eminent - protein frozen repast you could see .
What Are the Benefits of Protein?
As one of the three principal macronutrients , along with carbs and fat , protein consumption is essential for existence . Not only does it put up energy ( 4 nutritionist’s calorie per gram ) , but protein also helpsmaintain , repair , and build muscle ; has been show to be themost satisfying macronutrient ; canincrease mental sharpness and promote mode ; and more .
“ We ’ve date an uptick in interest around protein - rich diets , " Alyssa Pike , R.D. , older director of nutrition communications at International Food Information Council ( IFIC ) say in aJanuary 2024 Food and Beverage Trendsreport . " consumer are interested in promote this nutrient any way they can — even the unconventional . "
It ’s of import to observe the high - protein frozen meals we ’re reviewing below are part of an all - day approaching : Do n’t lack our besthigh - protein breakfastsand colorfulhigh - protein vegetarian dinners , too . ( Oh yes , and be sure to try out my current every night treat : a high - protein glacial yogurt streak that tastes like aDairy Queen favorite . )
Credit:Target
So what weigh as “ protein - copious ” or “ high - protein , ” exactly ? I asked my friend Lauren Harris - Pincus , R.D.N. , a New Jersey - base registered dietitian nutritionist , founder of Nutrition Starring YOU , and author ofThe Everything Easy Pre - Diabetes Cookbook , to dish .
“ There is n’t a standard definition of ‘ high protein ’ interest individual foods , ” she secern me .
According to the FDA , a food must hold 20 % or more of the recommended daily intake ( RDI ) or everyday reference value ( DRV ) to make a claim that it ’s a " sound source " or is " high " in a finicky nutrient . To translate that to a repast , Harris - Pincus tells her clients that something could be high - protein if :
Credit:Target
Protein demand vary free-base on many gene , including eld , gender , and activity level . However , the general minimal recommendation is 50 g of protein per day . If you ’re untested and active , this climb up to about 0.5 to 0.8 Hans C. J. Gram per quid of physical structure weightiness , or 75 to 120 gramme for a 150 - pound person .
How I Tested the High-Protein Frozen Meals
For the sake of this dear eminent - protein frozen repast quest , I sought out entrees that contained 17 grams or more of protein per serve . This physical body is at 20 % of the happy culture medium between the low bar of 50 grams and the upper end of 120 grams ( using our make-believe 150 - hammer admirer as our benchmark ) .
I purchase each meal from either Target , Trader Joe ’s , Whole Foods , or Natural Grocers , and sought out meal that were high - protein . I also prioritize :
Over the course of two weeks , I followed the microwave oven instructions on the package of each meal and sample one per weekday . I was aboveboard blown out by how far frozen meal have add up since my college days . ( The key upgrade seems to be the separation of sauce , grains , and veggie , which diners are instructed to stir together either part - way through the James Cook clock time or just before eating . )
Credit:Target
The runners - up , listed in monastic order of protein content , are all deserving mentioning , and could be a fit for you based on your nip orientation , solid food allergic reaction and intolerance , and supermarket excerpt .
My Top 3 High-Protein Frozen Meals
And now it ’s time to dig into the victor . Admittedly , these are just my personal favorites , bringing my decennium - and - a - one-half of experience and food for thought coverage scope to the table . That being said , fan reviews online also come out to echo my sentiment .
Target
Best High-Protein Frozen Meal Overall: Kevin’s Natural Foods Thai-Style Coconut Chicken
Protein per meal:24 gram
I have long considered Kevin to be my long - length sous chef , and frequently rely on his saucy sous - vide crybaby and beef protein as easy additions to my dinner . The seasonings and sauce tamp an incredible amount of feel , and the meat stay juicy and tender even after reheat .
So when I heard that Kevin ’s Natural Foods was tally rooted bowls to their crease up , I leapt at the chance to sum up them to my cart . All of the bowlsoffer boast - worthy nutrition stats and ingredient labels , but the substantial standout for me has been the Thai - inspired bowl that showcases cauliflower rice , carrot , broccoli , and chicken , which all gets coated in a creamy , lemongrass oil - scented Cocos nucifera sauce . Beyond the takeout - reminiscent taste , I adored the singular , sog - proofcompostable bowlthat ’s constructed with industrial plant fibre . Just do n’t expect the finished production to look quite as pretty as the package . ( This sentiment rings true for all of the mellow - protein flash-frozen meal I tried . )
Still , on my second try of this Thai coconut chicken , this could have entirely croak as a eating house delivery repast once I dressed thing up with a shower offresh basilfrom my herb garden .
As for fellow fan feedback , others celebrate this entree ’s “ excellent flavor . ”
“ This meal is absolutely amazing , ” one taste - tester shared . It ’s “ very authentic , and made me feel like I just traveled to Thailand , ” thanks to the “ just - right amount of curry and coconut milk . ”
For a similar homemade high - protein repast , test : Thai Green Curry Chicken .
Best High-Protein Frozen Meal for Pescatarians: Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Jambalaya Bowl
Protein per meal:19 g
I ’ve always avoided seafood - centrical rooted meals , fearing two qualities : the spirit and the potentially less - than - pleasant texture . After just one bite of this Scott & Jon ’s creation , I like I had n’t countenance that detract me for so long .
It turns out , runt cooks upsurprisingly well in the microwave , as did the long - grain Elmer Leopold Rice . This power couple kept me feel energized for hours , and I enjoyed the excess burst of flavor from the peppers , mushroom , garlic , tomatoes , and zesty spice .
Although some referee observe that deeming this “ jambalaya ” is a stretch , even one south Louisiana resident called it delicious and " a quick and light jambalaya pick . ” Another shared that “ everything taste fresh , and the sapidity are well - balanced , ” noting that you get “ a fair amount of food for the price . ”
For a similar homemade high - protein repast , try : Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Stir - Fry .
Best Budget-Friendly High-Protein Frozen Meal: Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Frozen Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Protein per meal:28 gramme
Available for an affordable price at my local Target , it would be tough to buy the ingredient required to blister up a interchangeable repast from pelf , not to mention the value of the time it would take to do just that .
The secret to this in high spirits - protein wintry meal rest in its thoughtful promotion . The sauce , which includes real Parmesan and Romano cheese , a splash of ointment , andcornstarch for thickness , steam in a disjoined bowl under the chicken and broccoli . After a four - and - a - half minute stint in the microwave , the label tell you to stir the protein and veggies into the sauce . I did that in my initial trial run , but savour it even more on round two when I transferred the crybaby and broccoli to a plate and moisten the Alfredo on top .
Reviewers confirmed that , even at just 190 calorie ( Iserve it over quinoaor more vegetables , eitherroasted or steamed ) , this is “ very filling . ”
“ For those value convenience , quality ingredients , and a protein boost , this is a worthwhile alternative , ” one write .
For a alike homemade high - protein meal , try : Chicken and Lemon - Broccoli Alfredo .
Homemade High-Protein Meals to Try for Lunch
On weekends , I often have more time , motivation , and energy to chip at out some time to DIY . irrespective of when or why you add them to your menu , I also urge these homemade lunch idea that also time in above 17 grams or more per serving :
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594226/
https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/daily-value-nutrition-and-supplement-facts-labels
