If your household is like most, it's a revolving door of kids and adults coming and going between work, school and evening activities. Finding time to eat right amid all this confusion can be tough.

In an effort to shave precious minutes off meal planning and prep time, families and single people alike are turning to microwaveable meals for quick dinner solutions. Some of these are not only tasty but low in fat and calories.

Unfortunately, many of these frozen, prepackaged meals are just the opposite.

For example, one major brand's country-fried pork chop meal serves up 27 grams of fat and 2,240 mg of sodium. That's about a half-day's supply of fat and a full day's allowance of sodium in one meal. In addition, microwaveable dinners can be expensive-fro m $2 to $7 for a single serving. That can add up when you're feeding a family.

For less expensive, healthier meals, you may be better off cooking yourself.

If just the thought of cooking seven nights a week turns up your stress meter, don't fret. With a little planning, cooking at home can become a fast and easy process. Dotty Berzy, a registered dietitian at Advocate's Trinity Hospital in Chicago, offers these fast, healthy meal ideas:

Casseroles, stews, chili and lasagna. Prepare these ahead of time and freeze them. Use chicken or turkey instead of beef.

Stir-fry. Use plenty of vegetables (pre-cut and frozen), plus chicken breast fillets-which have little fat.

Pocket tortillas. Load up tortillas with low-fat, vegetarian refried beans, low-fat cheeses, vegetables, black beans and salsa.

Stuffed spuds. A potato can be a meal in itself, especially when microwaved and topped with low-fat cottage cheese, onions, salsa or even low-fat, vegetarian chili.

Omelets. They're not just for breakfast. Mix egg whites with low-fat cheese, skim milk and veggies.

If you want to rely on frozen entrees for last-minute meals, choose those that have fewer than 3 grams of fat for every 100 calories, and less than 800 milligrams of sodium per serving. Also, add a roll and a salad, steamed vegetables or fruit to ensure y ou're getting a balanced meal.