Smart Ones Frozen Dinner Nutrition

Smart Ones frozen dinners, products from the Weight Watchers diet, are convenient and inexpensive; they are marketed as healthy alternatives to traditional frozen meals. The Marinette/Oconto Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program recommends choosing those that are between 360 and 400 calories with less than 25 g of fat. It is important to read the nutrition information to be sure your choice is only one serving so you don't overload on fat, calories or salt.

A frozen dinner on a table. (Image: BWFolsom/iStock/Getty Images)

Fat

A high fat diet increases your risk of developing heart disease, according to MayoClinic.com. Choosing Smart Ones frozen dinners helps you stay within a healthy range. The Creamy Rigatoni with Broccoli and Chicken contains only 5 g of fat and the Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables has 4 g of fat. Low-fat side dishes that you might want to include with your meal are steamed vegetables or a fruit salad.

Calories

Eating more calories than you burn off in one day will result in weight gain. Smart Ones frozen dinners can be part of a healthy and balanced diet if you are trying to lose weight. The dinner entrees included contain a healthy amount of calories and also include the points value for those who are following the Weight Watchers diet. The Angel Hair Marinara contains 230 calories per serving and the Four Cheese Pizza weighs in at 370 calories. You can add a piece of fruit or a salad to increase nutrient intake.

Sodium

Many processed and packaged items are too high in sodium to be eaten on a regular basis. Healthy sodium intake should be between 1,500 and 2,300 mg per day, reports MayoClinic.com, and many of the Smart Ones entrees contain a reasonable amount. The Orange Sesame Chicken contains 680 mg of salt and the Roast Beef and Gravy has 530 mg. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about whether Smart Ones frozen dinners have a place in your diet.

Protein

An important part of a weight loss diet is getting adequate amounts of protein. This nutrient supports healthy muscles, cells and skin, according to MayoClinic.com. It also keeps you feeling satisfied so that you aren't tempted to overeat between meals. The Pasta Primavera weighs in with 11 g of protein and the Tuna Noodle Gratin contains 14 g. Protein intake should be 10 to 35 percent of your calorie intake, so your needs will depend on how many calories you are consuming each day.

Fiber

Fiber is a nutrient that is important for healthy digestion and cholesterol readings. MayoClinic.com recommends that women consume between 21 and 25 g daily while men should consume between 30 and 38 g. Smart Ones frozen dinners will help you reach these goals without overloading you on fat and calories. The Shrimp Marinara contains 4 g of fiber and the Pasta with Ricotta and Spinach contains 6 g. Adding some fruits and vegetables on the side will increase the fiber content in your meal.