If you checked your freezer right now, what would you find?
Just a lonely ice tray?
Maybe a few scattered has-been foods like a singleEggo wafflehow long hasthatbeen there, anyway?
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Or, perhaps there’s an entire collection of foods that are now showing signs offreezer burn?
The freezer can be a dark and scary place if you don’t know how to fill it correctly.
But, with some guidance, it can bean Eden of healthy snacks and lifesaving meal options.
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Take it fromLaura Burak, MS, RD, founder ofGetNaked Nutritionand author ofSlimdown with Smoothies.
“Frozen items are one of the best ways to never say ‘what’s for dinner?’
again,” she says.
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While it’s possible for you to freeze your avocados, grocery stores also sell bags of frozen chunks.
In terms of frozen omelet options, Manaker is a fan ofEggland’s Best three-cheese frozen omelet.
These contain a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and parmesan cheeses.
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Eggland’s Best eggs have six times more vitamin D than ordinary eggs.
Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Burritos
Want Mexican food in a pinch?
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One brand the dietitian recommends isRed’s.
Plus, they’re cooked in small batches with freshly made tortillas and are free of artificial ingredients.
These burritos come in a variety of options.
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For a low-effort, antioxidant-packed dish, Manaker recommends purchasing this item frozen.
As an alternative to buying fresh, the dietitians recommend the frozenBonefida Provisions bone broth.
Another similar option the Nutrition Twins suggest isGreen Giant’s California Style Harvest Protein Bowl.
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Desserts
This one might seem like a givenhello, ice cream!
But for the Nutrition Twins, the appeal of a frozen dessert goes beyond deliciousness.
Peas
it’s possible for you to’t mention fruits without their food pyramid equivalent: vegetables.
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And, experts had a few specific frozen choices to share, starting with frozen peas.
“I add these to pasta dishes right at the end of cooking the pasta,” Shapiro says.
“This adds green, protein, fiber, and nutrition to a simple pasta dish.
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Cooks up quick, is great for a vegetarian or vegan meal, and is kid-friendly too.”
“Popeyewould be so pleased!
“I promise you won’t even know those veggies are hiding in there,” she assures.
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you’ve got the option to typically find frozen edamame either shelled or still in the pods.
The latter makes for the perfect poppable appetizer when served with just a pinch of salt!
Just venture to limit any frozen toaster strudel items, which are typically high in added sugars.
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We’re looking at you, Pillsbury Toaster Strudels.
Pizza
There’s no shame in resorting to a scrumptious and hassle-free frozen pizza for dinner.
Burak even encourages you to always have one or two on deck.
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The appeal of frozen pizzabesides its obvious convenience factoris the wide assortment of options out there.
it’s possible for you to cater to your own health preferences and taste.
For Burak, this means reaching for names likeBanzaorCali’flour Foods.
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Whichever pie you choose, just pair it with a side salad or vegetable, and boom!
You have an easy, well-rounded meal.
Take some extra time to examine the nutritional facts onfrozen apps, however.
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Treat your family to something more wholesome and nourishing instead.
Shrimp
If you’re a seafood lover, you’re in luck.
Along with fish and other meats, Shapiro adds shrimp to the list of great freezer aisle grabs.
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“I always keep frozen shrimp on hand.
She even gives some helpful advice on how to cook the crustaceans.
check that to save this info for yournext delicious dinner.
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“Simply place the frozen shrimp in a colander and rinse under warm water.
Broil for two to three minutes or pan fry until pink and opaque,” she says.
“I use a pesto sauce, but butter or olive oil and garlic work well too!”
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This story has been updated to include additional entries, fact-checking, and copyedits.
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