Ready meals are a convenient option for people who don’t have the time or inclination to cook. They come in a variety of forms, from TV dinners to microwaveable snacks. But one of the downsides of ready meals is that they can be high in calories.

In fact, many ready meals contain more calories than a person needs in an entire day. So, how many extra calories does a ready meal carry?.

What are ready meals?

Ready meals are pre-packaged, pre-cooked meals that are sold in supermarkets and grocery stores. They are designed to be heated up quickly and easily, usually in a microwave. They come in a variety of forms, including:.

TV dinners
Frozen pizzas
Chicken nuggets and other fried foods
Fast food meals (like burgers and fries)

Why are ready meals high in calories?

Ready meals are often high in calories because they are made with processed ingredients and are designed to be filling. They may contain high amounts of fat, sugar, and salt, which can contribute to obesity and other health problems.

Additionally, many ready meals are marketed as complete meals, meaning they contain all the necessary components of a meal (like protein, carbs, and vegetables). While this may sound like a good thing, it often means that the portions are larger than they need to be, and contain more calories than a person needs in one meal.

How many extra calories does a ready meal carry?

The number of extra calories in a ready meal can vary greatly depending on the type of meal and the brand. However, a general rule of thumb is that a typical ready meal contains around 500-600 calories.

This is roughly a third of the daily recommended calorie intake for an adult. However, some ready meals can contain as many as 1,000 calories or more.

It’s important to note that the extra calories in ready meals aren’t just from the main dish. Many ready meals come with side dishes like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or garlic bread.

These side dishes can add hundreds of extra calories to the meal.

How can you reduce the calories in a ready meal?

If you’re a busy person who relies on ready meals, there are a few things you can do to reduce the calories in your meals:.

Choose meals that are labeled as low-fat or low-calorie
Look for meals that contain more vegetables and less meat or pasta
Avoid meals that come with high-calorie side dishes
Check the calorie count on the packaging before you buy

The bottom line

Ready meals can be a convenient option for people who don’t have the time or skills to cook. However, they can also be high in calories and contribute to obesity and other health problems.

If you rely on ready meals, it’s important to be aware of the calorie content and choose meals that are lower in calories and healthier overall.