Pros and Cons of Diet Meals

*Photo by Ronnie B.

If you're beginning your effort to lose weight, you may be thinking about stocking your freezer with diet meals, such as those by Weight Watchers, Lean Cuisine and Healthy Choice. While these can be an aid in weight loss, they can also have some drawbacks.

Pros

• If you don't cook, they can be an easy way to ensure you're eating right.
  
• They're quick. Most cook in under 5 minutes so they're great when you're busy.
• If you're on a specific weight loss program, such as the South Beach Diet or Weight Watchers, they can make it easier to eat the right foods.
• You don't have to measure portions. It's already done for you.
• You don't have to calculate the calories in a recipe. It's on the box.

Cons

• Many are high in sodium, which can be a problem for those that need to follow a low-sodium diet.
• They can be expensive.
• If you don't learn portion control and what to eat, you may find yourself regaining the weight after you stop buying them.
• Some are quite bland.
• If you're a picky eater or allergies to certain ingredients, you may run into difficulty finding meals.