NOT YOUR MOTHER'S DIET FOOD: One delicious 10 7/8-ounce Lean Cuisine entree provides 15 grams of protein and 0.5 cup of veggies per serving for a frozen food you can feel good about.

Lean cuisine meals may appear to be healthy when considering calories alone. However, because they are processed food, many are high in sodium while being low in protein and fiber.

What Is a Lean Protein? The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) definition of a lean meat protein is one that contains less than 10 grams of total fat and fewer than 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat per portion [100 grams], says Diana Gariglio-Clelland, R.D., a registered dietitian in Washington.

Lean beef is an excellent source of protein and also packs B vitamins, zinc, and selenium.

Tips for Lean Cuisine Weight Loss First, use meals sparingly. Include them in your daily diet if enjoy the flavor and convenience of Smart Ones or Lean Cuisine. But make them part of a complete meal plan that also includes fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, whole grains and meals that you organize and prepare yourself.

These products meet the following American Heart Association Heart-Check criteria: Total Fat: 3 g or less per 100 g of product** and 30% or less calories. Saturated Fat: 1 g or less per 100 g of product** and less than 10% calories. Trans Fat: Less than 0.5 g per labeled serving from trans fat.

Lean protein is a source of protein that it low in saturated fat. Because of this, it's also low in calories, hence it being called 'lean. ' Lean protein is widely recognised as being healthier for our bodies than non-lean protein because it happens to be much lower in saturated fat that can impact our heart health.

The bottom line White-fleshed fish and skinless white meat poultry are among the leanest animal proteins. However, you can also find lean red meat by looking for the words “loin” and “round.”

Lean protein is a source of protein that it low in saturated fat. Because of this, it's also low in calories, hence it being called 'lean. ' Lean protein is widely recognised as being healthier for our bodies than non-lean protein because it happens to be much lower in saturated fat that can impact our heart health.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), lean protein sources have less than 10 g of total fat and 4.5 g or less of saturated fat per 100 g, or 3.5 ounces (oz).

"Because the meals are low in calories, if someone were to eat just a Lean Cuisine for their meals and keep snacking under control, they would probably lose weight," McMordie said. "The problem is that because of the lack of fiber and protein, it's hard to stay full on such a small portion.

The Top 10 Health Benefits of Lean Protein

• Build Muscle. photo credit Jonathan Borba.
• Lose Weight. photo credit @idgeek.
• Lower Risk for Cardiovascular Disease. photo credit @jessedo81.
• Support Immune System. photo credit Camilo Jimenez.
• Provide Vitamin B.
• Build and Repair.
• Increase Metabolism.
• Longer Life.