Reconsider Frozen Foods: A Fresh Perspective on Convenience
Reconsider Frozen Foods: A Fresh Perspective on Convenience
When you think of "frozen food," what comes to mind?
For many, it's frozen pizza, TV dinners, ice cream, and other foods loaded with sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. These convenience foods are often associated with the freezer aisle—quick, easy, and highly processed.
But the freezer section offers so much more.
The Freezer Section: More Than Just Convenience Foods
While indulgent options like frozen burritos, pie crusts, and breaded chicken tenders are true, the frozen food aisle offers an entire world of nutritious choices. It's time to reconsider this section of the grocery store and its health benefits.
Frozen Vegetables and Fruits: Convenient and Nutritious
Frozen vegetables and fruits are some of the healthiest choices you can make. Unlike their canned counterparts, which often contain added sodium or sugar, many frozen options contain just one or two ingredients—usually vegetable or fruit. For instance, you can find spinach, broccoli, or mixed berries without additives.
These are perfect for quick side dishes, smoothie ingredients, or even an easy lunchbox addition. Just pack frozen fruit in the morning, and it’s thawed and ready to eat by lunchtime.
Protein Options: Not Just Processed
In the freezer section, you’ll find various protein options beyond the breaded and fried choices. Look for plain chicken tenderloins, thighs, or fish fillets like salmon and tilapia. These proteins are often available naturally, without breading or seasoning, making them versatile and healthier meal choices. Many of these can be cooked directly from frozen, saving you time without sacrificing nutrition.
Why Frozen?
One of the main advantages of frozen foods is their long shelf life, allowing you to keep healthy options on hand without worrying about spoilage. Moreover, the freezing process preserves the nutritional content of fruits, vegetables, and proteins, so you don’t lose out on essential vitamins and minerals.
Give the Freezer Section a Second Chance
It’s easy to pass by the freezer aisle, dismissing it as a haven for unhealthy convenience foods. But with some exploration, you'll find plenty of nutritious options that can be part of a balanced diet. Whether it’s a quick meal solution or a way to keep your kitchen stocked with healthy staples, the freezer section deserves a second look.
Next time you’re grocery shopping, don’t bypass the frozen food aisle. Take the time to explore the nutritious and convenient options available. You might be surprised at what you find.
Real World Nutrition Refreshed: I am revitalizing and updating my archive of blogs and re-publishing them. Stay tuned as I review, update, refresh, and re-share these posts to provide you with even more valuable information on nutrition, health, and overall wellness—and keep things timely. A portion of this blog was originally posted on March 21, 2023, and is updated here.
