March 5, 2014
Frozen Food Finds
By Brittany Fowler, RD, LDN
Hy-Vee Registered Dietician
(309) 792-0200
March is Frozen Food Month, and the freezer aisles in your favorite grocery store are just the place to find nutrient-dense foods. Many people are surprised to learn that frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh. Picked at the peak of ripeness, frozen foods are processed within a short time after picking. The flash-freeze process locks the nutrients into the vegetables and fruits.
Frozen fruits and vegetables are convenient and save time, as the chopping and cutting has been done for you. Frozen vegetables and fruits are low in sodium, as well. However, the sodium content is higher in vegetables packed in a sauce. Known to be budget-friendly, frozen fruit and vegetables are less expensive than their fresh counterparts.
MyPlate recommends that your plate be half fruits and vegetables. When your favorite fruit or vegetable is not in season, frozen options can be a great alternative, helping you meet your nutritional needs. Frozen fruits can be used in smoothies, added to your favorite hot cereal, or used in pancakes and waffles. Frozen vegetables work well in soups, casseroles, added to rice and pasta dishes or served as a side. There are a variety of frozen vegetables in the freezer including broccoli, cauliflower, peas, green beans and even butternut squash. Today’s shoppers will find a variety of stir-fry vegetables as well.
For an easy snack on the go, grab a handful of frozen fruits, place in a plastic bag or container and you are set. Ramp up the nutrition in your stir-fry by adding a variety of frozen vegetables. Next time you are in the frozen aisles, don’t forget to pick up your favorite frozen fruit or vegetable.
Simple “Ice Cream” Sandwich
All You Need:
1 BelVita biscuit
1 tablespoon Healthy Choice Greek frozen raspberry yogurt
3-4 raspberries, frozen
All You Do:
1. Let the frozen yogurt sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before using.
2. Spread the frozen yogurt on top of the BelVita biscuit and add a few frozen raspberries.
3. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information: 80 calories; 2.5 g fat; 0 g saturated fat; 12 g carbohydrate; 2 g protein; 1 g fiber; 160 mg sodium
This information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
Filed Under: Health & Wellness
Tags: Belvita, Butternut, Frozen Food, Frozen Foods, Frozen Fruit, Frozen Fruits, Frozen Yogurt, Fruit And Vegetables, Fruits And Vegetables, Fruits Vegetables, Fry Vegetables, Green Beans, Hot Cereal, Ldn, Nutrient Dense Foods, Pancakes And Waffles, Pasta Dishes, Sodium Content, Vegetables And Fruits, Yogu
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