Stocking Up for the Winter: Make Ahead Freezer Foods

Freezer foods aren't always thought of as the most healthy. When it comes to frozen TV dinners you find at the store that is most likely true. However, there are plenty of foods we can make at home to freeze for later use that are great for us! After all, there is nothing like a home cooked meal ready for you in the fridge when you just don't want to cook. These are 2 meals you can make ahead and have ready for you at anytime in your freezer!

Soups

Most people love a hearty soup for the cooler months. Freezing soup is a healthy alternative for canned soups which are typically full of sodium. According to the article titled Canned Versus Homemade Soup: What are the pros and cons? "The American Heart Association recommends that people should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium a day. The healthiest soups contain 360 – 600 milligrams of sodium per serving, but one cup of canned soup can contain 800 or more milligrams of sodium! Since a typical can holds at least two cups, a bowl of soup may pack a day’s worth of salt." Some great soups to freeze are chili, tomato soup, or even broccoli cheddar soup! Freezing soup will also save you that extra money you've been spending on Panera.

Casseroles

Frozen casseroles are another great meal to save you time on busy winter nights. All you have to do is pop them out of the freezer and into the oven. Casseroles are also and easy way to add in some much needed veggies. Just throw in some spinach in your sauce, or any other vegetable you like, and you'll be getting some added nutrients. According to eatright.org "Generally, frozen foods retain their vitamins and minerals and there is no change to the carbohydrate, protein or fat content. In some cases, frozen foods have more vitamins and minerals compared to fresh because fresh foods lose vitamins and minerals over time while freezing preserves nutrients."

As you can see these are two great ways to have healthy meals prepared for busy nights these winter months!