Hormel Compleats Microwave Meals Review

In my ongoing quest for healthier things to eat, a certain amount of progress has been achieved and better habits have been formed.  I can now truthfully say that I prefer Lean Cuisine over the regular "red box" Stouffer entrees.  I thought it would never happen but I've come to love the fresh lemony zing of Newman's Own "Lighten Up" Italian Dressing, Kikkoman's Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce is a perfectly acceptable option, and I even have learned to like tofu ... but I would be lying if I didn't admit that now and then it has been with a real sense of regret that I have furtively glanced at my stack of Hormel Compleats Microwave Meals left over from the good (bad?) old days when I didn't worry about the nutritional information on things. 

These mini-dinners are so delicious that I actually gave a few as presents to my aunt in her Christmas stocking!  Due to a successful E-Bay bid a while back, I was able to get a couple dozen $1-off coupons and so stocked up on these Compleats on sale for only $1.33 each and BOY, are they GOOD!  They don't need freezing, refrigeration nor a lot of space on a shelf and they are available in a variety of flavors including Roast Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes, Turkey and Dressing with Gravy, Chicken Alfredo, Salisbury Steak with Sliced Potatoes, and Beef Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots in Gravy.  When I realized that they were too good to give up, I took a look at the nutritional information on one of my favorites ... Chicken Breast and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes. 

The contents of a 10 oz. package constitutes a single serving which contains 210 calories with 30 calories from fat.  There are three grams total fat, one gram saturated fat, zero trans fat, 35 mg. cholesterol, 780 mg. sodium, 24 grams total carbs, three grams dietary fiber, one gram sugar, and 21 grams protein with 2% (D.V.) calcium.  Of course, I realize these counts are rather high (especially sodium which is 33% of the average requirement for a day) but we shouldn't forget that these are meals and not just candy bars. 

I don't know about you but I'm not going to give up on Hormel's Compleats but I will eat them in moderation and adjust my sodium intake for the rest of the day accordingly.

TASTE TIP:

Cook about half a cup of frozen peas in the microwave and set aside to cool a little when heating the "Compleat" up.  After opening the entree, dump the peas on top and mix in a little.  Now you've got something substantial which will stave off hunger for several hours.  The perfect beverage for this ... a glass of ice cold cranberry juice!