Ever since our family almost ran out of food during a blizzard, I keep track of what is in our freezer. As soon as the neighbors heard about our food shortage the phone started ringing. Every neighbor offered us chicken. We didn't want them to go out in such frigid weather, and we didn't want to go out, so we didn't accept their chicken. We ate what was on hand and had some creative meals.
For me, stocking up on food is not an option, it is a necessity, and my freezer is full of healthy foods. I keep the freezer full during summer months as well.
Before I tell you what is in my freezer, I will tell you what is NOT in my freezer. There are no "5 for $10 Bucks" pizzas, frozen dinners, soups, coffee cakes, pies or muffins. If there are muffins in the freezer I made them with combination flour (half white, half wheat), sugar-free applesauce, Splenda, and a tablespoon of olive oil. There are other homemade things in the freezer, too.
When I make chili (light on meat, heavy on vegetables), I make extra and freeze it. I try to have flank steak in the freezer because it is lean and adaptable. Though flank steak is pricey, I get a good deal at my local super store. I also freeze leftover beef, chicken, turkey, and rice. Having a well-stocked freezer is comforting and gives me a jump-start on meals. What is in my freezer?
PROTEIN
Chicken breasts (skinless)
Turkey breast
93% lean ground beef (several pounds)
Flank steak
Pork chops (thin cut)
50% less fat pork sausage
Talapia (a farm-raised fish)
Egg substitute (two cartons)
Homemade chili and soup
VEGETABLES
Chopped spinach
Broccoli
Broccoli stir fry
Mixed vegetables
Tiny peas
French green beans
Chopped onions (at least 2 bags)
Vegetable egg rolls (speciality of a local restaurant)
Hash brown potatoes (for vegetable soup)
FRUITS
Strawberries
Blueberries
Raspberries
Sliced peaches
Lemon juice (a so-so substitute for fresh)
BEVERAGES
Calcium-fortified orange juice
Grapefruit juice
Lite grape juice
Lite cranberry juice
Ground coffee (which freezes well)
BREADS
Hamburger buns (lowest salt content I can find)
Whole wheat bread
Homemade muffins
Homemade oatmeal and French bread
OTHER FOODS
Fat-free mozzarella cheese
2% milk cheese
Sugar-free, fat-free ice cream
"Free" whipped topping
When grocery stores run specials on frozen juice and vegetables I take advantage of them. I also keep special foods on hand, such as frozen artichokes and angel food cake, in case we have unexpected company. What is in your freezer? Take inventory now. Discard unrecognizable food, food with freezer burn, old food, and unhealthy food. Buying healthy foods for your freezer helps you to cook healthy, eat healthy, and live healthy.
Copyright 2006 by Harriet Hodgson
http://www.harriethodgson.com
http://www.healthwriter.blogspot.com Harriet Hodgson has been a nonfiction writer for 27 years and is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com A five-star review of the book is posted on Amazon. You will find another review on the American Hospice Foundation website under the "School Corner" heading. | |
