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Friday, May 24, 2013

Five Freezer Foods to Always keep in stock

Happy Friday everyone! Today I'm linking up with Joy over at The Sowell Life for The Friday Five! I thought it would be a perfect time to share the Five Freezer Foods to always keep in stock!

1. Frozen Vegetables
Did you know that frozen vegetables are typically just as nutritious if not more nutritious then fresh vegetables-unless you grow your own veggie! Vegetables continue to ripen and lose nutrients as the travel from farm to you. Mostly, vitamin C is lost. When purchasing frozen veggies make sure they do not come with added sauces, which packs in sodium and calories!



2. Frozen Blueberries
This little berry is packed with nutrition. A cup of blueberries gives you close to 20% of your fiber needs for the day and they are the poster child for antioxidants.What the heck are antioxidants? Antioxidants help repair damaged cells that later could be linked to heart disease or cancer. Have you had your cup today?



3. Edamame (Soy Beans)
Please, tell me you have tried this wonderful bean! Continuous research shows us many health benefits when adding edamame to our diet. First, is heart health; overall the bean is cholesterol free, low in saturated fat, and is generous in fiber. Did I mention it is an excellent source of protein? This green bean has been linked to promoting good bone health as well as showing protective properties against breast cancer when introduced before adolescences (2).

4. Dark Chocolate
Dark Chocolate is rich in flavanoid antioxidants, remember they help fight off free radicals in the body. Studies have shown that moderate amounts of dark chocolate in the diet may help reduce blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and thin the blood to prevent blood clots that may cause a stroke (1). To make sure you are buying a quality dark chocolate high in flavanoids make sure the first ingredient is cocoa. This doesn't give you permission to eat bars of dark chocolate everyday. It may be rich in nutrients but it is also rich in calories! I keep a bag in the freezer and will help myself to about one ounce every few days.

5. Whole wheat waffles
First things first, we must always check our ingredients list to make sure the FIRST word is WHOLE grain/wheat.. If the word whole is not there then you are getting dooped! Don't get dooped! If wheat or grain is the first word doesn't guarantee you are getting a whole grain product, it must be whole.
Now that we understand that let's move on. Much like our friends above, whole grains help fight against heart disease. Whole grains are good source of magnesium, selenium, B Vitamins, iron, folic acid, and dietary fiber.

Magnesium-bone health
Selenium-fights free radicals
B Vitamins-play a huge role in energy conversion in the body
Iron-carries oxygen throughout the body
Folic acid- helps prevent neural tube defects in women who have reached childbearing age


Hope you all have a Happy Memorial Day weekend!!
Continue reading as I continue my mission: Healthy Huggins

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