You’ve been rushing around all day looking after children, cleaning the house and running errands. 5:00 creeps up and the children are screaming for food. You just remembered that you skipped lunch and are desperate for dinner too, but when you open the fridge, there is NOTHING to eat. Nothing in the pantry and nothing in the freezer.
You promised yourself that you were going to eat healthy this week but you forgot to meal plan so your last resort is pizza. The children scream in delight and secretly you’re happy to reward yourself for surviving another stressful day. But you know the morning guilt is headed your way….
Sound familiar?
We’ve all been there. But there is one easy thing you can do to prevent this from happening: keep a delicious selection of food in the freezer.
Freezing food can make eating healthier, save you time and money and reduce food waste. When you commit to having healthy options in the freezer you commit to maintaining the health and wellness of you and your family.
Here are 8 items to keep in your freezer so that you are never caught hungry and unprepared again.
Soup and Stew
There is nothing better than a large bowl of hearty soup or stew on a cold winter night. It’s healthy, hearty and filling. Soup can be made from leftovers or it can be made fresh, portioned into single serve containers and stored for later use.
Children love putting together their favourite soup recipes. Involve them in the cooking process and they are much more likely to enjoy the end product.
2. Berries
I couldn’t survive without berries in my freezer. My boys eat them every morning, summer or winter. They are a delicious, nutritious snack on their own or they can be added to yogurt, pies or smoothies.
3. Bananas
Another must in our house is to peel and chop bananas just before they go off and throw them in the freezer. They are perfect for smoothies, pancakes or home made ice cream.
4. Burgers
When you’re next preparing for that family BBQ, whip up a few extra burgers that can be thrown in the freezer for later. Whether you love a huge beef burger or opt for a healthy veggie patty, they freeze well and can be fried in a little coconut oil or thrown on top of a bed of greens with a little mustard, tomato and avocado for a delicious healthy meal in minutes.
5. Grapes
don’t let that bag of expensive grapes go bad in the fridge! Wash and throw them in the freezer. These make a sweet treat for the children or an evening snack for you. They also look good at the bottom of a champaign glass!
6. Peas
These green gems are easily added to any recipe - soups, stews, pastas, pestos….. Having frozen peas on hand adds a simple veg boost when you need it the most.
7. Wraps
Wraps are incredibly versatile, they can be used for veggie burritos, scrambled eggs or cheese quesadillas. Adding a bit of veg to these tasty dinners is easy and delicious. The next time you’re stuck for meal ideas, reach for a wrap and start putting together your favourite ingredients.
8. Muffins
Sweet or savoury muffins are a lifesaver when the afternoon hunger strikes. Whether they are banana and berry or sweet potato and red pepper, they store well in the freezer and take seconds to defrost in the microwave. Always keep a dozen on hand as a last minute resort.
The last idea is definitely up for discussion….. I keep a tray of home made ice lollies or frozen yogurt pops on hand for when a melt-down is inevitable. Sometimes when they boys just can’t wait another second, I grab one of those from the freezer and crack on with the meal prep, it works a charm.
What are your essential freezer ingredients? Share in the comments below and let us know if there is something you can’t live without.
