High-Calorie Frozen Meals for Healthy Weight Gain

Choosing High-Calorie Frozen Meals for Weight Gain

For some people trying to gain weight or muscle mass, high-calorie frozen meals can provide an easy nutrition solution. Frozen meals allow you to conveniently consume extra calories and nutrients. When chosen wisely, they can be a tool for healthy weight gain.

Benefits of High-Calorie Frozen Meals

High Calorie Content

Many frozen meals provide 500+ calories per serving, making it easier to meet daily caloric intake goals for weight gain.

Balanced Nutrition

Look for frozen meals delivering a balance of protein, carbs, fat, and other important vitamins/minerals you need in abundance.

Portion Control

Frozen meal servings provide built-in portion sizes, allowing you to accurately track calories and nutrients consumed.

Meal Prep Convenience

Frozen options minimize meal prep time. Just microwave or heat them up for quick, hassle-free meals to support your fitness routine.

Budget Friendly

Buying frozen can cost less than frequently purchasing take-out or food at restaurants when trying to up your calories.

What to Look for in Weight Gain Frozen Meals

At least 500 calories

Look for meals providing half or more of your daily caloric needs per serving.

20-30g protein

Choose high protein options with sufficient protein for building/retaining muscle.

Slow-burning carbs

Pick meals with smart carb sources like whole grains to fuel workouts.

Healthy fats

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats support weight gain goals. Limit trans and saturated fats.

Fiber & nutrients

Seek meals providing a balanced nutritional profile to support an active lifestyle.

Frozen Meals to Boost Calorie Intake

Burritos and bowls

Bean and rice burritos and bowls deliver protein, carbs, fiber. Look for meals with guacamole or cheese for added healthy fats.

Pasta dishes

Pasta frozen meals with meat or cheese sauces provide calories from carbs and protein to help you gain weight.

Pizza

Single serving frozen pizzas can pack 500+ calories in a convenient personal-sized portion.

Lasagna

Frozen lasagna is a high-calorie option with layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce.

Sandwiches and wraps

Choose sandwich and wrap options made with nutrient-dense breads and loaded with veggies, cheese, and protein.

Tips for Gaining Weight with Frozen Meals

Amp up calories and protein

Boost lower-calorie meals by adding nuts, seeds, nut butter, avocado, cheese, or roasted veggies.

Enjoy larger portions

Eat multiple portions in one sitting to increase overall calories and fullness.

Pair with shakes or smoothies

Incorporate high-calorie beverages like protein shakes and smoothies.

Include high-calorie snacks

Add calorie-dense snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and dried fruit to meet goals.

Exercise regularly

Pair increased calorie intake with strength training and cardio to build muscle, not just fat.

Be Careful to Avoid Unhealthy Weight Gain

To gain weight in a healthy way using frozen meals:

Watch sodium content

Limit frozen meals high in sodium to avoid bloating and hypertension.

Read nutrition labels

Check calories, protein, carbs, sugar, and unhealthy fats like trans and saturated fats.

Prioritize nutrition

Pick well-balanced meals providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals too.

Include fresh foods

Combine frozen items with fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

Hydrate properly

Drink plenty of water daily to facilitate healthy nutrient absorption and digestion.

Examples of Weight Gain Frozen Meals

Amy's Bowls

Amy's organic bowls like Cheese Enchilada and Indian Mattar Paneer provide 500+ calories.

Smart Ones Big Bowls

Big bowls from Smart Ones deliver extra calories and protein with options like Chicken Alfredo.

Banquet Mega Bowls

Banquet's mega bowls line has high-calorie picks like Spicy Black Bean and Rice.

Marie Callender's Bowls

Marie Callender's multi-serve bowls include hearty picks like Chicken Pot Pie.

Lean Cuisine Panini

Grilled paninis from Lean Cuisine provide 500+ calories in sandwiches like Chicken & Bacon Ranch.

Customize Store-Bought Frozen Meals

Personalize pre-made frozen meals with healthy add-ins:

Cheese

Shredded cheese, mozzarella, feta, parmesan add flavor and calories.

Beans and legumes

Mix in black beans, chickpeas, lentils for plant-based protein and fiber.

Vegetables

Broccoli, spinach, peppers, onions, mushrooms boost vitamins and fullness.

Healthy fats

Nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil up the calories and nutritional profile.

Whole grains

Brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat pasta bring slow-burning carbs.

Make Your Own High-Calorie Frozen Meals

For complete control over nutrition, make DIY freezer-friendly meals:

Hearty casseroles

Build casseroles with whole grains, lean protein, veggies, and cheese then freeze.

Burrito bowls

Assemble rice, beans, veggies, cheese, salsa, and protein in meal prep containers.

Loaded oatmeal

Make steel-cut oats in bulk with mix-ins like nuts, seeds, coconut, dried fruit.

Thick soups and chilis

Pack leftover bean chili, vegetable-lentil soup, and stews to freeze.

Healthy pizza slices

Make homemade pizza with whole grain crust, veggies, and lean protein then freeze slices.

The Takeaway on Frozen Meals

Consuming high-calorie frozen meals can help facilitate weight gain goals when done thoughtfully. Focus on options delivering balanced nutrition, sufficient protein, smart carbs, and healthy fats. Pair frozen foods with fresh produce and beverages to meet your total daily needs. Consult your doctor or dietitian to ensure your weight gain diet optimizes your health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.