Frozen food is an easy, healthy and cost-effective way to add fresh produce to your diet. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and helps reduce food waste.
Frozen fruits and vegetables retain more essential nutrients than fresh counterparts since they’re frozen immediately after harvesting, without exposure to water during freezing.
Healthy
Frozen food is not only convenient and straightforward to prepare, but it can also be quite nutritious. Many frozen dishes contain healthy ingredients like vegetables, fruits and meats, making them an excellent choice for those who don’t have time to cook or need to reduce their food budget.
Studies have demonstrated that frozen goods produce more nutrient-dense than fresh, mainly when it is flash-frozen immediately after harvesting. It is especially true for berries and other fruits containing nutrients such as vitamin C, lutein, beta-carotene and antioxidant polyphenols (compounds that reduce cancer risk).
Though frozen pizzas, burgers, burritos, and other fried treats may not be the healthiest options, they can provide plenty of calories and protein when eaten in moderation. But unfortunately, they also tend to be high in saturated fat and sodium.
Frozen foods tend to be higher in calories than fresh alternatives, so monitoring portions and opting for smaller serving sizes is essential.
When stocking your freezer, opt for whole fruits and vegetables that have been flash-frozen without any sauces or other added ingredients. Not only will these help reduce sugar intake, but they also offer an abundance of essential vitamins and minerals.
Other nutrient-rich frozen goods include fish, poultry and other meats prepared without breading or additional sauces. Mia Syn, MS RDN, the spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, believes these can be an ideal alternative to greasy fast-food items.
Another excellent option for vegetarian and vegan dinners is EVOL Organic Frozen Entrees, made with only organic and all-natural ingredients and available in hearty varieties like chicken thighs with sweet potatoes, broccoli and quinoa or the power bowl of salmon, kale mushrooms and cranberries. Furthermore, their vegetarian and vegan dishes are gluten-free, dairy-free and soy free for those looking to reduce meat intake while still satisfying their hunger cravings.
Convenient
Freezing food is a natural preservative that preserves its flavour and nutrients. It’s an ideal solution when travelling, on a budget, or don’t have time to make nutritious meals from scratch.
When freezing food, opt for high-quality ingredients and products that freeze well. Then, pack them securely, store them at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, and adhere to the recommended storage times.
Avoid wastage of frozen goods by freezing what you will use for future meals. For instance, if two people are in the family and each requires one cup of rice for dinner, freeze it separately into two-cup portions.
Consuming large amounts of unfrozen items will slow the freezing process and may result in less-than-optimum quality frozen food. Furthermore, overcrowding your freezer makes it harder to locate items when you need them most.
You can freeze fruits and vegetables in various ways depending on your requirements. For instance, you can freeze whole fruits or vegetables in one container (open freezing) and individual pieces in their freezer bag or tray for extended storage.
Those seeking a plastic-free alternative should also consider freezing their food in mason jars. These sturdy containers are tempered solid glass and do not expand or contract when exposed to changing temperatures, helping prevent breakage.
Freezing foods isn’t difficult, but it requires attention and patience. People make a few common mistakes when freezing food, so you should strive to avoid them as much as possible.
Weight Loss
The frozen food aisle can be a great source of nutritious, convenient foods that help with weight loss. But, unfortunately, it’s also filled with high-calorie, unhealthy options.
Foods processed and enriched are often found in freezer cases; these typically contain added sugar or sodium. If you’re trying to shed pounds, ensure your diet includes plenty of fresh produce like fruits and vegetables, which are low in calories but high in fibre and vitamins.
Many frozen fruit and vegetable options, such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and beans, can be heated quickly in the microwave. These nutrient-rich foods are cheaper than their fresh counterparts and don’t need much prep work.
Keep a few frozen meals on hand when you’re busy or don’t like cooking. Doing so can help you avoid taking out a quick-serve meal or reaching for something unhealthy like chips.