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 |
