OK, so eating fruits and vegetables really matters. Believe me, I know. When my medical team told me they thought I would not live to see my grandchildren grow up, everything changed ….. including my kitchen.
Don’t wait any longer. Take control of your health, your vitality and help strengthen your immune system. As I was fighting for my life, embracing new lifestyle patterns and habits became paramount. Funny thing happened on the way to beating Stage IV Cancer….. I lost 28 pounds and felt like a veil was lifted. Singing and zipping my fav jeans and partners.
Most people don’t eat as many servings of fruits and vegetables as they should. While you try to keep your fridge and fruit bowl brimming with fresh produce options, don’t forget about your freezer. It’s one of the best places to stash frozen fruits and vegetables, which can have bountiful nutritional value, like their fresh counterparts. Once you find the varieties you love, having them on hand will save you time, money and possibly your life.
Try looking for these seven frozen fruits and veggies to stock in your freezer.
1. Broccoli
When broccoli is on your shopping list, but a fresh crown is $3, head to the freezer section. Broccoli when frozen retains its nutrients, losing less ascorbic acid in your freezer than it does when waiting for you in your fridge. Steam it for a quick side dish, make stir-fry, or top it on a fresh-made pizza. Soups, frittatas, and pasta dishes are other great ways to use frozen broccoli.
2. Peas
They’re not just a handy icepack when you have a bruise or sprain. Frozen peas are a fantastic addition to your meals and far easier to work with than fresh peas. They still retain their initial nutrients, too, hosting more beta-carotene than fresh or canned versions. Steam or thaw them first before you add them to your dishes. They go great in a brown rice bowl, are perfect for salads and pasta, and make a great soup with peas thrown in.
3. Spinach
Fresh spinach takes time to wash. In the freezer, it’s ready to go and even has more beta-carotene than raw spinach. It’s an easy side dish for a busy night all on its own, but feel free to get creative with soups, pasta, curries, dips, or even on top of white pizza.
4. Organic Berries
Berries are marvelous super-fruits, but they are always ranked as the dirtiest by the EWG. Organic is best, but buying them fresh can really add up. When you purchase organic berries frozen, though, you can have the best of both worlds. Buy a mix or buy one type of organic berry, and you can make wonderful smoothies, top off your coconut yogurt, or use them in healthy desserts.
5. Peaches
Peaches still retain phenolic compounds when frozen, and they still taste just as amazing. Thaw them out to put on your coconut yogurt, puree into a healthy pudding, or add to salads with walnuts.
6. Carrots
Although carrots are usually plentiful and inexpensive, they are more nutritious than fresh carrots. They store so well, too, that if you have a crazy week and have no veggies on hand, you’ll have carrots ready for a side dish.
7. Bell Peppers
There are more vitamin C and antioxidants in frozen bell peppers. Plus, they can be used to make a stir-fry or fajitas in a pinch, no slicing and dicing required.
With these frozen produce items on hand, you’ll always have access to making healthy and nutritious meals, even when your fridge and cabinets are going bare.
Please use the comment section below to share your thought and ideas. We LOVE hearing from you!
In health and gratitude,
Elaine & Nevin
P.S. Before I forget, if you are ever feeling overwhelmed and need some help finding the right path for you, grab a cup of tea or your favorite smoothie and let’s chat.
CLICK HERE to Speak With Elaine.
P.P.S. If you have enjoyed this information and can think of someone that would be well served to receive the information, please share.
