Why you should visit the frozen food section of the grocery store
The frozen food aisle of the grocery store is a goldmine for quick, healthy food options and shouldn’t be avoided - especially if you’re a busy mom and/or working professional. Frozen foods don’t have to be unhealthy! There are a plethora of nutrient-rich foods in the freezer aisle that make assembling homemade meals, side dishes, or snacks a breeze.
When trying to eat for good health, we sometimes think that fresh fruits and vegetables are the only options, but that’s not the case! I mean, honestly...have you ever purchased veggies that you truly planned on eating that week only to find them rotting in your fridge later? YUP! I know I have! Utilizing the frozen food section can be a cheaper option than purchasing fresh produce because not only are you not wasting money on food that went bad, but frozen food can also be cheaper than its fresh counterpart. It’s a win-win! You’re saving money and curbing food waste. Not to mention how incredibly convenient frozen foods are for those days where you’re strapped for time, but still want to eat healthily.
5 Frozen Foods You Should Keep Stocked In Your Freezer
1. Frozen fruits
2. Frozen vegetables
3. Frozen proteins
4. Ready-to-cook meals
5. Frozen grains and legumes
Without further ado, here are my tips to help you become a frozen food-savvy shopper!
1. Stock up on frozen fruits
Stocking up on frozen fruits is a no-brainer. They’re often half the price of their fresh counterparts and last for such a long time. Frozen fruits are perfect to keep on hand for smoothies, blended fruit ice creams, as an addition to your salad dressings, or as a topping on yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes.
Note that all frozen produce is flash-frozen at peak times of ripeness. This means that the food is incredibly fresh and vitamins and minerals are preserved once frozen.
2. Grab your share of frozen vegetables
Frozen veggies are perfect for adding a nutrition boost to your meal! A few of my frozen favorites include mixed veggies, cauliflower rice, peas, butternut squash, spinach, and broccoli. I absolutely love using riced cauliflower in my smoothies for a creamy texture and for the extra vitamins and minerals it provides. If you hate preparing veggies or just don’t have the time, frozen veggies are super convenient because they’re already chopped and ready for you to cook!
3. Buy plenty of frozen protein options
I always keep frozen protein options on hand in my freezer. Some of my favorite frozen protein items to stock are chicken, shrimp, meatballs, edamame, and tofu. When choosing the most nutritious options, steer clear of processed proteins and look for food labels with the least amount of added ingredients.
4. Don’t be afraid of ready-to-cook freezer meals
There are several companies out there these days that are committed to stocking healthy, frozen meals in the grocery store. They’re great when you’re short on time and need something to eat or as a healthy lunch option. Remember to take a look at those ingredient labels and watch for added salt.
A few of my favorite brands: Healthy Choice, Smart Made, Evol, Sweet Earth, and Amy’s
5. Shop for frozen grains and legumes
Dried beans and grains can take forever to make and sometimes we just don’t have the time. Did you know that you can buy legumes and grains in the frozen food aisle? They’re ready for use and already cooked...for a quick meal, simply heat them and add a protein plus veggies! And, as an added benefit, if you don’t need to use a whole can of beans, just grab what you need from the bag and seal it back up!
Bottom Line
More often than not, the freezer aisle gets a bad rap because of all of the highly processed foods that are housed there, but it’s the perfect place to shop for healthy convenience foods! There’s no need to sacrifice health when you’re exhausted or in a pinch. The frozen foods aisle has your back! I encourage you to visit the frozen food section next time you’re at the grocery store.
What are your favorite frozen foods to purchase?
If you enjoyed this article be sure and hit the share button. My goal is to be the last dietitian you ever need. I personally love food and firmly believe you don't have to give up what you love to reach your goals. My services are virtual so no matter where you are, we can find a way to help you have your cake and eat it too! Click here to inquire.