EAT HEALTHY IN A HURRY WITH A STOCKED FREEZER + ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS RECIPE

Hi guys! 

Stocking your freezer is a guaranteed way to eat healthy even on your busiest days.

We’ve all been there. Hungry. Tired. In a hurry. All the above. And all you want is food and fast. One of the ways that we can still eat healthy on days like this is by planning ahead and having a stocked freezer with essential meal components. This way you can mix and match these items with fresh ingredients and pantry staples to make a meal super fast without having to stop by a drive-thru. 

Frozen foods are a great option because they are picked at their peak and flash-frozen! This allows for all those wonderful vitamins and minerals to stay intact. 

HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE FREEZER FINDS:

FRUITS. 

The sky is the limit. There are so many frozen fruit varieties out there. The fun in this is that  you can try something new without risking it going bad too soon - Rhubarb, anyone? By having a variety in your freezer you can make smoothies, smoothies bowls, toppings for oatmeal, toast, dessert. The list could go on! Have fun and be creative! 

Try Lindsey's mango + matcha smoothie here using frozen mango.

VEGETABLES.

Similar to fruits - there are so many frozen vegetable options out there. Keep them on hand to throw into stir fries, smoothies (YES!), pasta or roast and serve as a side. Check out the recipe below to see how I turn the humble frozen brussels sprout into a delicious and easy side. These will change the minds of all brussels sprouts haters out there! 

GRAINS.

Yes! You can find grains in the frozen section! This is such a great way to eat healthfully on a busy night. I don't always have time for brown rice to cook. But, with these you can serve up brown rice, quinoa, and others into a quick dinner. Tip: Aim for ones that are plain. Most of the varieties that have sauces have higher amounts of salt and fat. You can add flavors that you and your family love by getting the plain varieties. Bonus: You know what's in it, too!

SOME ADDITIONAL FREEZER IDEAS:

• MAKE-AHEAD ITEMS/LEFTOVERS: smoothie bags, marinara, and oatmeal (coming soon!)
• PROTEINS: Any and all meat and fish, cooked beans, etc. 

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

This is my go-to for cooking vegetables all year-round. It works great with frozen or fresh vegetables. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 bag frozen Brussels sprouts (you can use fresh, too!)
• 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 - 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 - 1 tsp Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Thaw Brussels sprouts slightly. (I pop mine in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes.)
3. Slice Brussels sprouts in half.
4. On a baking sheet, mix Brussels sprouts, olive oil, salt and pepper.
5. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until crispy. Stir (or shake the pan) occasionally to get crispy and browned on all sides.
6. Enjoy! 

What are your favorite items to keep in the freezer for those busy nights and how do you use them? Let us know by commenting below!


christy