We are what we eat. Food is a basic necessity of man. Our bodies need to develop, replace and repair cells and tissues through the energy that we gain from food. The ever-spinning wheel of time is evolving our lives as well. The food that we eat is also evolving. Frozen foods that are healthy are solutions to our unhealthy diets.
Our overbearing routines force us to put the most important meals of the day on the back burner. Healthy eating should be our top priority but lack of time makes it impossible for us to cook fulfilling meals for ourselves. These days, healthy frozen foods are satisfying our needs by being a quick fix for hunger.
List of Healthy Frozen Foods
There is a common misconception that frozen foods are unhealthy but it is not all true. There are varieties of foods that are healthy and full of nutrients when frozen. Food is divided into categories like fruits, vegetables, protein foods, grains, and dairy. Following are some frozen food that is healthy for us.
Bananas
Frozen bananas have all the essential nutrients and they are kept fresh through flash freezing. They offer vitamins B6 and C and minerals like manganese, potassium, magnesium, and copper as well. It improves your health and mood instantly through a boost of energy and nutrition.
Use them in: smoothies, ice creams, banana bread, desserts, and milkshakes.
Berries
No matter its strawberry, cranberry, blueberry, or any other kind of berry, frozen berries are packed with nutrients all year round. They are a rich source of fiber, vitamins C and K as well as manganese, zinc, and potassium. Moreover, the micronutrients in them reduce inflammation and support our heart’s health. The antioxidants in it have anti-aging properties and help in weight loss too.
Use them in: smoothies, as a filling in baked muffins or pies, or toss them in your oats or Greek yogurt to make a calorie deficit dessert.
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Broccoli
Frozen broccoli is more affordable and beneficial than fresh ones. The flash freezing locks all its nutrients and keeps it as fresh as new. It fulfills your need for vitamins and minerals as it has high fiber and antioxidants that improve the functionality of the heart and reduce the chances of cancer as well.
Use it in: soups, casseroles, pasta, rice bowls, and as pizza toppings.
Carrots
Frozen carrots are a cheap and healthy option for incorporating vegetables into your diet. They are full of antioxidants, vitamins A and K, and fibers as well. They are beneficial in keeping our skin and heart healthy. Carrots can be easily sourced as they are available almost everywhere.
Use them in: casseroles, soups, salads, and stews.
Corn
Potassium-rich frozen corn could be very affordable as compared to fresh ones. They are a good source of calcium and vitamins to boost our immune systems. The dietary fiber in it is effective for digestion and regulation of bowl and prevents heart diseases as well as diabetes. It has more nutrients preserved in it than fresh corn and makes your meals wholesome.
Use it in: salads, pasta, soups, pizza toppings, and tortillas.
Fish
The rich source of protein is frozen right after it’s caught to keep its freshness. It is an important source of vitamin D and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Frozen fish is quite cheap and essential for a balanced diet. They are free from preservatives and no microbes grow on them after freezing so they are safe as well.
Use it in: stews, curry, pies, salads, wraps, and tarts.
Mangoes
These seasonal fruits are frozen to use, all year by preserving the sweet juices and freshness. They are loaded with two important vitamins A and C which helps in keeping our immune system strong and prevent any tissue damage in our bodies. It also has essential minerals like copper and potassium which ensures the smooth functioning of the heart, nerves, and muscles.
Use them in: smoothies, ice cream, sorbets, desserts, and fruit salads.
Papaya
The healthiest frozen fruit has a lot of nutritional value as it is fast frozen, locking all the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals inside. It gives strength to our immune systems as well as our hearts; reduces the risk of diabetes by controlling the glucose levels in the blood, and also helps in digestion.
Use it in: desserts, fruit salads, smoothies, ice creams, and puddings.
Peas
Peas have a very high nutritional value which includes vitamins C and B1and folate as well. They freeze them as soon as they are picked at their peak ripeness to ensure the best quality.
Frozen peas are healthy as well as time-saving and available all the time. Vegetable protein can be sourced through them as they are good for the building of bones and the immune system.
Use them in: dips, soups, risottos, pesto, and salads.
Spinach
Frozen spinach is not only full of macronutrients but very affordable also. Nutrients in this vegetable are in abundance like iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. This superfood has many health benefits, especially because it prevents heart diseases.
Use it in: quiche, dips, soups, casseroles, salads, pesto, and lasagna.
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Benefits of Frozen Foods
Though there is a conventional mindset towards fresh foods no matter it’s a vegetable, fruit, or a piece of meat but there are frozen foods that are healthy for us that we often don’t come across. They offer us numerous benefits.
Convenience
Our fast-paced life does not allow us to go to markets and buy fresh produce. Then clean and sort them into our refrigerators and cook them before they rot. Frozen foods are a healthy option as we can stock our freezers and instantly get home-cooked meals whenever we are in a rush without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Affordable
Frozen foods that are healthy are affordable as well these days. Markets are stocked with all sorts of fruits, vegetables, and meats whether they are in season or not, they are available at a low cost but do check the expiry dates before buying, just to be safe.
Nutritious
People often confuse frozen foods with canned or preserved foods but they just need to do some research. Frozen foods are full of nutrients as they are picked at peak ripeness and flash freezing is a technique used on them to protect all their nutrients and freshness. It also prevents all kinds of microbial activity. So, frozen foods are safer than fresh ones which are transported and stored for days before selling.
Quality
Frozen foods have the best qualities as they have to survive for months in our freezers after being shipped off. The quality of frozen foods cannot be compromised as they have to maintain nutritional standards.
Zero Waste
Wastage of food is very common in our households but frozen foods also eliminate our problem. The packaging allows us to use what we need while cooking a meal and save the rest for later use. With our freezers stocked with frozen foods, we also do not have to binge on high-cholesterol junk food, saving us from a lot of waste.
Some Frequently Asked Questions:
Is frozen food healthier than eating out?
Yes, frozen food is a healthier option as it does not have a lot of calories and saturated fats as compared to the food we eat out, which lacks essential nutrients and has a lot more fats and calories.
Are frozen fruits healthy?
Most fruits and vegetables are frozen as soon as they are harvested to ensure that they are chock full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, so frozen fruits are a very healthy option.
Are frozen foods good for weight loss?
Frozen meals have far fewer calories and they can facilitate weight loss if they are a part of a structured plan.
What are some disadvantages of frozen foods?
Freezing foods for long periods can result in the loss of their nutritional values. They can increase blood pressure as they might include sodium in them. Frozen foods sometimes do not match the aroma, freshness, and crunch of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Are frozen foods an expensive option?
No, frozen food products offer an increased number of options from a wide variety on the menu while staying within your budget.
Conclusion
There is a variety of frozen foods that are healthy and available everywhere now. Home-cooked meals are always a safer option for everybody conscious about better health. You can prevent a lot of diseases by opting for a balanced healthy diet. Frozen foods can help you instantly while preparing for any meal of the day. Healthy smoothies, salad bowls, and snacks can help you build a healthy lifestyle.
