Those trying to look and feel better have more options when it to comes to midday snacks and meals, thanks to two new research studies presented by ConAgra Foods, Inc., Omaha, Neb.

The findings illustrate how single-serving frozen meals can help consumers eat less. These research studies, led by Kristin Reimers, nutrition manager for ConAgra Foods, reveal that frozen meals are more satiating than snack and meal replacement bars. In fact, when participants consumed frozen meals, they actually took in fewer calories daily.

Researchers compared frozen meals to meal replacement bars to determine which was more satisfying. Participants’ usual lunches were replaced with either a Healthy Choice or Marie Callender’s frozen meal or a meal replacement bar. Participants reported less hunger—and had less desire to eat in the afternoon—when they ate a frozen meal instead of a bar over three days. Replacing a typical meal with a frozen meal resulted in the greatest average calorie savings—500 fewer calories daily, potentially adding up to 3,500 calorie savings a week.

These findings build on previous research showing that portion-controlled frozen meals may help individuals reduce calories in an easy, convenient way. For more information about the study, visit www.ConAgraFoodsScienceInstitute.com.