Wednesday, February 18, 2009

The Healthy Freezer

This is the first post of a trilogy - the other two are The Healthy Fridge and The Healthy Pantry. I think I am posting this for myself as much as for anyone else, honestly. To get it through my own head that these items are what I need to have on hand at all times.

So, based on my own research and a LOT of label reading, I have deduced that these items are great to keep on-hand for quick, easy, healthful meals.

So, without further ado, here's The Healthy Freezer

Supermom's Healthy Freezer List

Meats:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts/tenders (1 lb portions)
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 lb portions)
Extra Lean ground beef (93/7) (1 lb portions)
Ground turkey breast (1 lb portions)
Turkey or Low-Fat smoked sausage
Turkey or Low-Fat Italian sausage

Vegetables:
Spinach
Peas
Corn
Stir-Fry mixes
Broccoli
Cauliflower

Fruits:
Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)
Peaches

Other:
Frozen Puff Pastry


It's a small list, but I feel fairly easy to keep up. If anyone can think of anything else to add, feel free to comment or email me.

2 comments:

Wendy said...

Jennifer,
Sounds like you have a pretty good list. I grocery shop from a specific list tied to a menu plan, so I don't often have extras stocked in the freezer, but I'm trying to utilize it more. Here's what I'm doing-feel free to use/not use any ideas-
Leftovers-sometimes I'm the only one who likes a soup or whatever from dinner. I put it in the freezer instead of letting it rot in the fridge.

It's so easy to just pop a single serving of leftovers into the freezer for Shane to take to work.

Finally, I like to have a loaf of bread in the freezer just in case I run out-you know in families our size, one afternoon of sandwiches will just about wipe you out of bread.

I've found that all of the above things can save money & be healhier since they mean not buying something from McDonalds in a pinch.

I'm still a beginner at using the freezer effectively-hope to see more ideas here!

SuperMom Blues said...

Ah, yes, we have TONS of single-servings in the freezer - Ronnie takes them to work daily for lunch. And the bread thing, you know, I REALLY need to do that - we did it when I was a kid. Mom would buy four or five loaves when they were on sale and store them in the freezer. We (most of the time) never knew the difference!

I have learned that the freezer can be your best friend. I am so guilty of putting something in there and then forgetting about it. A few months later, I'll go back and say "Uh . . . what the . . . ??" LOL!