Portion-Controlled Frozen Meals Aid Weight Loss

OMAHA, Neb.Portion-controlled frozen meals eaten as part of a reduced-calorie eating plan help consumers learn portion control, which plays a vital role in helping people lose weight, according to results of a new survey conducted by ConAgra Foods.

The research was presented at the American Dietetic Associations Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo held in San Diego. For the study, 32 participants between the ages of 25 and 65 replaced at least 10 meals per week (seven lunches and at least three dinners) with a portion-controlled frozen meal from Healthy Choice. Participants accompanied the meals with two or three food items, such as salad, skim milk and fruit, and were encouraged to increase lifestyle activity and walk up to 150 minutes per week. Participants lost an average of six pounds and saw their waistlines reduced by about an inch.

People in our study found it easy to replace the 10 meals per week with a Healthy Choice meal, and the results were really strongweight loss, body fat loss and reduced waist circumference," said Kristin Reimers, PhD, nutrition manager, ConAgra Foods. Dietary Guidelines for Americans state that a key strategy for weight loss is proper portions. Portion controlled Healthy Choice meals offers individuals a way to help achieve that recommendation."