Frozen fruits, veggies offer economical, healthy option
By Dipali Pathak
Keep your wallet fat but not your body by considering frozen or canned fruits and vegetables rather than fresh, advises a dietician at Baylor College of Medicine.
"You might be surprised to know that frozen or canned options are just as nutritious and sometimes even more nutritious than fresh fruits and vegetables," said Molly Gee, a registered dietitian at BCM.
Read labels
Companies that make frozen or canned fruits and vegetables must pack the items at their peak, said Gee. While some vitamins and minerals are lost in the fresh foods due to the time it takes to get them from the field to the plate, these vitamins and minerals are present in the canned or frozen versions.
However, she warns that it's still important to read the labels on canned or frozen items to be sure that they are preserved in their own natural juices and that no sugar is added.
Frozen meals can also be a good option for saving some money and maintaining a healthy weight, said Gee. Although there are many varieties to try, Gee suggests reading the labels to see how many calories are present and where the calories are coming from.
"Only 30 percent of the calories should be from fat. That's 3 grams of fat for every 100 calories," she said.
Economic options
If high blood pressure is a concern, consider reduced sodium options. For other family members who are not calorie conscious, Gee recommends adding sides to a frozen meal, such as a soup, salad or a whole grain roll.
Great economic buys also include:
- Canned meats
- Canned soups
- Dried or canned beans
- Buying items in bulk
Gee says be sure not to compromise taste when considering economic options.
"Taste is important. There are a variety of foods out there, so experiment and try new options," said Gee.
