Avoiding processed foods is a working way to control weight. But with a busy work schedule, there is not much time left for cooking. Fortunately, not all food from an industrial factory is as devilish as you might think.
In general, any food that is different from its original state can already be classified as processed. That is, fresh pineapples cut into pieces from the fruit department are the same semi-finished products as frozen cutlets.
The frozen food section of the store offers many healthy options. Next time you head out to replenish your supplies, watch out for 7 instant food items to help you eat healthier. Also check out our article 10 delicious homemade snacks that are easy to make.
1. Shrimp
Usually, there is raw meat or chicken in the freezer. A good choice for a tasty and healthy dinner. But you need to plan ahead for these large protein chunks. These products need to be put in the refrigerator to defrost overnight, because it will take a long time to cook frozen. You can use the defrosting mode in the microwave, but then the meat may become dry and tasteless.
Frozen shrimp is another matter. These little crustaceans cook instantly. Cooking straight out of the freezer will add a couple of minutes to the cooking process. Shrimp is an excellent source of dietary protein. Even a triple serving is only 84 kilocalories.
2. Brown rice
Healthy eating means avoiding processed "lungs»Cereals in favor of whole grains. The simplest thing is to choose brown rice over white. The disadvantage is that dark varieties are cooked until tender for about 50 minutes. White is ready in 15-20 minutes.
A frozen semi-finished product made from brown rice is also on sale, although you will have to look for it in stores. Easily add it directly to soup or stew. Or cook quickly in the microwave. You might be interested in the article 12 Gourmet Combinations for Healthy Eating.
3. Mix of berries
Berries are loved by nutritionists for their antioxidant properties. How well the use of berries protects against unpleasant diseases is not fully understood. There are studies showing a reduced risk of bowel cancer when berries are added to the diet.
Of course, you can buy fresh ones. But frozen berries are cheaper because they are stored longer. And if you are a smoothie or protein shake lover, then frozen berries are perfect. They will create the desired texture of the drink without adding ice cubes.
4. Spinach
If you're tired of washing, drying, and chopping up your greens every time you prepare food, frozen spinach is a great choice. Spinach is frozen immediately after harvest, which makes it even more beneficial.
Long-term fresh storage leads to the loss of half of the vitamin B. It is ideal to let the greens thaw before cooking. The dried spinach can then be added to anything from soup to casserole.
5. Meat semi-finished products
Ready-made meat patties are not necessarily a bad choice for a healthy diet. It all depends on the amount of preservatives. In other cases, you can find more soybeans than meat in cutlets. Read the ingredients on the packaging carefully.
6. Green peas
Together with spinach, frozen green peas are suitable for a busy person's freezer. In 2014, the properties of frozen and fresh vegetables were investigated. The polka dots showed an amazing result.
It turned out that in ice cream it contains an increased level of certain vitamins. Peas can be added to the cooking dish directly from the freezer. Or if you're making a salad, dip it in boiling water and dry it. A couple of minutes is enough.
7. Quality frozen pizza
Yes, frozen pizza can be healthy too. Choose one with the fewest ingredients. The fewer calories the better. Better to take the option with a high content of vegetables.
We recommend watching:
Doctor's opinion on frozen foods. What is the difference between home and industrial freezing of vegetables and fruits. Why freezing is the best way to preserve the beneficial properties of vegetables and fruits.
