5 Fx-Approved Must-Haves for Your Freezer
Heinen’s Frozen Foods Department is so much more than pizza and TV dinners. Here you will find convenience, affordability and nutrition all wrapped into one wholesome package.
Now’s the time to start building your freezer inventory in preparation for the winter months ahead. I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to do is go outside in the middle of an apocalyptic snow storm!
Fruits and Veggies
Frozen fruits and vegetables offer convenience and extended shelf life at a price that’s pleasing to the pocketbook. What’s more, they are picked at peak ripeness and often frozen within hours, locking in vitamins, minerals, and flavor.
Smoothies:
To build a nutritious smoothie, stock up on frozen berries and cherries. I’m loving frozen cranberries in my smoothies these days. They add an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
Did you know you can also add frozen vegetables to smoothies? That’s right! Frozen carrots, riced cauliflower, butternut squash, and even spinach are all fair game. Check out this recipe for Pumpkin Patch Smoothie—a clever way to sneak cruciferous veggies into your day. The secret ingredient? Frozen cauliflower! Hey, don’t knock it till you try it! PS: It got two thumbs up from my husband. ?
Side dishes:
Steamer bags of vegetables are convenient to keep in the freezer for a quick addition to meals. Riced cauliflower is a fantastic alternative to regular rice and a great way to boost your veggie intake. Check the ingredients on frozen veggies to make sure there’s only vegetables inside. Avoid those with added sauces if possible.
Frozen spiralized zucchini and squash make an amazing substitute for pasta. Just heat in a pan, add your favorite sauce, and serve!
Soups:
Use frozen veggies to whip up a batch of homemade soup in a fraction of the time. Try this recipe for creamy One Pot Butternut Squash Soup. Holiday meal tip: Enjoy a bowl of soup before the main course to lessen the chance of overeating.
Plant-Based Meat Alternatives
Looking to cut back on meat without sacrificing protein? Plant-based burgers are a wonderful option. Choose those made from real, whole food ingredients over processed soy. My new favorites are: NoBull Burgers (10 grams of protein per burger) and Dr. Praeger’s Perfect Burger (20 grams of protein per burger).
Gluten-Free Options
If you or a family member are in need of gluten-free choices, many can be found in the freezer section, including whole grain bread and wraps.
Whole Grain Favorites
Look for pre-cooked frozen whole grains like quinoa and brown rice. Simply heat them up and serve alongside veggies and the protein of your choice!
Frozen sprouted grain bread is a wonderful option for avocado toast and sandwiches. Just thaw and serve! My favorite by far is Ezekiel bread. Dress your holiday table with this wholesome and flavorful recipe for Sprouted Stuffing with Gravy .
Food for Thought…
Smart meal planning includes keeping an updated freezer inventory of Fx essential fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This is a great way to guarantee you’ll always have staple ingredients on hand to prepare cost-effective, nutritious meals in a pinch.
