Healthy Frozen Foods To Stock Up On, According To Nutritionists
Adding frozen ingredients and premade meals (on top of canned foods and other shelf-stable goods) to your shopping list can help you keep your kitchen stocked for longer and prolong the time before the next grocery run, which is especially key in these unprecedented times during the coronavirus pandemic.
But before you fill your cart with frozen pizza rolls and ice cream (which, while definitely delicious and comforting, aren’t the best choices for sustenance and keeping your immune system strong), consider stocking up on frozen versions of staple foods that may be in short supply in their fresh form and, as an added bonus, will stay good longer.
To help you get a head start on your shopping list, we asked three registered dietitians to share their favorite frozen food picks and tips for choosing nutritious premade meals. Here’s what they had to say.
(Note that all three of them recommended stocking up on frozen fruits and vegetables, so pick up your favorites or buy some of their specific choices below.)
Frozen Food Buys
Berries: “I always have these on hand, especially in the winter months when they’re out of season,” registered dietician Meredith Price told HuffPost. “I add them to smoothies and baked oatmeals, create homemade chia jams and top overnight oats with them. Berries are a great source of vitamin C and fiber, and the frozen berries always taste good, too!”
Fresh bananas: Registered dietician Rebecca Ditkoff ― the founder of Nutrition by RD, a nutrition coaching and consulting business in NYC ― also recommended buying frozen berries, plus cherries and mango, but also fresh bananas to freeze. “I also love putting bananas that have browned in the freezer (after peeling and placing in a plastic bag), as they help to make smoothies creamier,” Ditkoff said.
Edamame: Price detailed that these baby soybeans are a great source of plant-based protein and calcium. “They can be eaten as a quick snack, tossed in salads or...
