4 Delicious Reasons to Choose Frozen Foods
By
Holley Grainger |
Published:
Mar 29, 2018 | Latest updated:
Feb 7, 2024
When it comes to planning and preparing meals it takes all forms of ingredients and some creativity to serve a variety of flavorful and nutritious meals that my family will eat. The great thing is, there are many frozen foods and meals available to help take the stress and work out of meal planning.
Balance Your Plate with Stouffer’s Chicken Enchiladas and a side spinach salad
Disclosure: March is National Frozen Foods Month and I’m thrilled to be partnering with Nestlés Balance Your Plate program to share some of my favorite mealtime tips and solutions.
Life is busy. I understand! I’m living it day in and day out. That’s why when it comes to planning and preparing meals it takes all forms of ingredients and some creativity to serve a variety of flavorful and nutritious meals that my family will eat. The great thing is, there are many frozen meals available to help take the stress and work out of meal planning. And best of all, they taste great and are easily balanced with a side of fruit and vegetables!
Here are just a few of my top reasons for choosing frozen meals as an ideal mealtime solution:
REASON 1: All Foods Fit
Balance your plate and your nutrient intake by serving a combination of ingredients and flavors like this Citrus Pear and Arugula Salad paired with Lean Cuisine Mushroom Mezzaluna Ravioli by Emily Kyle Nutrition for a simple and nutritious meal.
Did you know that freezing is a natural form of preservation that locks in the flavor, freshness and nutrition of your food without artificial additives? As a mom, that’s something that helps me feel good about serving my family frozen options – many are now free of artificial flavors, colors and preservatives! Some of our favorite frozen meals these days include Stouffer’s Lasagna with Meat and Sauce paired with fresh fruit and steamed frozen green beans or Stouffer’s Chicken Enchiladas and spinach salad.
REASON 2: Nutrition Improvements
Make your life easier while still enjoying a satisfying meal with a DiGiorno pizza paired with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Apple Salad. Recipe and photo by Meme Inge of Living Well Kitchen.
When did you last stroll down the frozen food aisle? Frozen meals are my saving grace when it comes to serving my family a nutritious, balanced meal with very little prep involved. Next time you’re shopping, check out the many nutrition improvements made by many frozen brands. You’ll be pleased to see reductions in overall sodium (like DiGiorno’s 10% reduction across the brand) and additions in protein and vegetables (Lean Cuisine has high protein AND 1 cup vegetable options). If you’re looking for ideas to help #balanceyourplate, pair your pizza with carrot and celery sticks with hummus or guacamole. Or, round out your frozen entrée with a Greek yogurt and berry parfait.
REASON 3: Save Valuable Time
On the hunt for quick meals that nourish and taste great? Jim White from Jim White Fit shares how he likes to pair a California Pizza Kitchen Frozen Crispy Thin Crust Margherita Pizza with a Berry Mandarin Spinach Salad.
Our nights have been busy lately with softball games and dance lessons, which sometimes means a drive-thru meal may be what’s for dinner. But lately, I’ve been planning and relying on frozen meals or pizza instead, like BBQ Chicken Pizza from CPK Frozen paired with steamed or raw veggies, simple green salads and/or fruit for a speedy and nutritious meal that the family loves. And, most importantly, it takes very little effort to prepare. It’s a win-win for all!
REASON 4: Mealtime – Your Way
Set up a DYI Veggie Mac and Cheese Muffin bar and allow everyone to customize their muffins based on their favorite stir-ins. Can you guess which ones Frances and Ellie made? Get the recipe HERE.
If you’re in need of a speedy meal that fits your tastes and preferences — whether that is organic, gluten-free, or even adventurous ethnic food, you’ll always find something delicious in today’s frozen aisle. We’ve been loving DiGiornio and CPK’s gluten-free pizzas or Lean Cuisine’s meatless options alongside fruits and veggies like corn on the cob and strawberries. Another current favorite is Stouffer’s Organic Macaroni and Cheese with veggies like broccoli, bell pepper or peas stirred in. What are your go-to’s when choosing frozen foods?
Visit Balance Your Plate’s website for more frozen facts and meal inspiration. Which frozen meals and frozen foods have you been loving lately?
