When I became a vegetarian 11 years ago and didn't quite have my "food game" figured out, Amy's Kitchen was a true lifesaver. For those who aren't familiar with the brand, Amy's started in California in 1987 with a couple called Andy and Rachel Berliner. Rachel was pregnant with their daughter, to be named Amy, any tasty ready-made organic and vegetarian meals for Rachel at their local natural grocery store. So they made meals for themselves, and they haven't stopped since.

I love Amy's Kitchen for those very reasons. The products are convenient, yes, but they're also made from healthy, whole foods that I know and trust (and they taste fabulous, too). Are you a fan of Amy's? If not, here is a list of 15 items that might turn you into an Amy's lover, too.

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FROZEN ENTRÉES

Brown Rice, Black-Eyed Peas & Veggies Bowl. This might be one of my all-time favorites, and fun fact: they carry it at Braum's! Snaps for Braum's. The mixture has a nice, subtle gingery flavor and is a fairly hearty snack (I say snack because it's only 300 calories with 11g protein and that definitely keep my satisfied for either lunch or dinner). This is definitely an Amy's product I can't live without.

Vegan and Gluten Free. 300 calories, 11g fat, 38g carbs, 11g protein.

Brown Rice & Vegetables Bowl. I'll be straight with you—this bowl contains tofu, and I don't disagree that frozen tofu sounds vomit-inducing. But Amy must have the freezing method down pat, because this tofu tastes great (and I'm not even a big tofu fan). The website says that the rice and veggies are in an "addictive sesame tahini sauce," which is highly accurate. I was surprised how much I liked this bowl, and I think you will be, too (grab the low-sodium version if it's available).

Vegan and Gluten Free. 260 calories, 9g fat, 36g carbs, 9g protein.

Soft Taco Fiesta - Light & Lean. I really like that Amy's offers a Light & Lean line with products that are lower in calories and fat, plus this Soft Taco Fiesta bowl is one of my OG Amy's favorites. The bowl contains rice, black beans, corn, shredded veggies and cheese and is topped with a corn tortilla + tomatillo and and ranchero sauces. I'm a huge fan of "Christmas sauce" and also of this delightful frozen entrée.

Vegetarian and Gluten Free. 230 calories, 4.5g fat, 40g carbs, 7g protein.

Quinoa & Black Beans with Butternut Squash & Chard - Light & Lean. All the trendy superfoods in one convenient package! There's no real "sauce" in this bowl, but the ginger, tamari and EVOO give it a nice simple flavor. I love this in the fall when I'm suffering from Butternut Squash Fever.

Vegan and Gluten Free. 240 calories, 5g fat, 38g carbs, 10g protein.

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FROZEN SNACKS

Cheese Pizza Snacks. I don't buy these that often because Ed always says, "Why don't you just buy Pizza Rolls?" Well, I tell you why I don't just buy Pizza Rolls: because I don't feel as bad about myself when I eat these! They're actually just about the same amount of calories as Pizza Rolls, but you can feel good knowing they're organic and made with part-skim mozzarella cheese and homemade tomato sauce.

Vegetarian. One box contains 440 calories, 18g fat, 52g carbs and 18g protein.

Bean & Cheese Burrito - Light & Lean. In high school and college I ate these babies like they were going out of style. I mean, who doesn't love a bean & cheese burrito?? Top this with some salsa and/or sriracha and you're good to go any time of the day (also great with a side of scrambled eggs and/or topped with slice avocado).

Vegetarian. 280 calories, 5g fat, 49g carbs, 11g protein.

Cheese & Bean Nacho Snacks. Just like the Bean & Cheese Burrito but in a bite-sized package! They also contain jalapeños and olives, but they must be super small because I've never noticed them before (and Ed wouldn't have touched them if he knew they contained olives). Plus, there's no "Pizza Rolls alternative" to these!

Vegetarian. One box contains 460 calories, 18g fat, 58g carbs and 18g protein.

SOUPS

Lentil Vegetable Soup - Light in Sodium. Soups are the Amy's Kitchen products that I buy most often. There's always a stockpile in the cabinet! They're easy grab-and-go options for lunch and great healthy snack options, too. This Lentil Vegetable Soup is easily a favorite (the Light in Sodium variety has 50% less sodium, too). It's mostly lentils, but it also has onions, carrots, green beans, potatoes and other veggies. If I'm at home I might add a bit of low-fat cheese to it, and always a bit of Sriracha or Chipotle Tabasco!

Vegan and Gluten Free. 320 calories, 8g fat, 48g carb, 12g protein.

Minestrone - Light in Sodium. Can't go wrong with a classic Minestrone! This one is loaded up with veggies, kidney beans and spiral pasta, all in a savory tomato broth. This is a light soup that doesn't need any dressing up.

Vegan. 180 calories, 3g fat, 34g carbs, 6g protein.

Tuscan Bean & Rice. This is a new favorite and oh-so-tasty. It's packed with Italian spices like Tuscan borlotti beans, has such great flavor and is one of Amy's Kitchen's most filling soups. Top it with a bit of low-fat mozzarella cheese and you're in for a treat.

Vegan and Gluten Free. 320 calories, 9g fat, 50g carbs, 10g protein.

Split Pea - Light in Sodium. Another all-time favorite. I know Split Pea Soup kind of has an "eww" reputation, but you won't be sorry you tried this one. It's hearty and has a touch of onion, basil, garlic and bay leaf. This is another soup that's even better topped with a touch of low-fat cheese + Chipotle Tabasco!

Vegan and Gluten Free. 240 calories, 2g fat, 42g carbs, 14g protein.

Vegetable Barley Soup. Another classic. Who doesn't like Vegetable Barley Soup? This one basically needs no explanation. Just know it's light, fresh and tasty.

Vegan. 180 calories, 6g fat, 26g carbs, 4g protein.

Black Bean Vegetable Soup. I love, love, love, love, love this soup! Fun fact: the founders of Amy's Kitchen first tasted this soup in a restaurant in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, and begged the owners for the recipe. I know you're probably thinking, "It's black bean soup. How can it be that special?" But this is not just black bean soup. There's something special about it. Anyway, taste it and see for yourself.

Vegan and Gluten Free. 280 calories, 3g fat, 52g carbs, 12g protein.

BEANS!

Chili with Vegetables. Out of all of Amy's Kitchen's chilis, I like this one the best (mostly because it's the only one, besides the Black Bean Chili, without tofu in it). It's labeled as Medium, but it has just enough kick to it to make things interesting. It's loaded with red beans, potatoes, carrots, and corn and is super great in these Quinoa Chili Stuffed Peppers.

Vegan and Gluten Free. 400 calories, 12g fat, 58g carbs, 14g protein.

Vegetarian Traditional Refried Beans - Light in Sodium. I honestly never thought I'd eat refried beans after becoming a vegetarian (they're traditionally packed with animal fat, of course). I saw these on the shelf when I was grabbing some chili and thought, "hey, what the hell." And I am 100% serious when I say these are life-changing. Now you can have all your favorite Mexican dishes with the classic refried bean action! Try it in this Southwest Breakfast Bake (the recipe doesn't call for refried beans but it would actually be really good in it).