27 February 2024 , 15:35
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When you think of freezer foods, you likely conjure up images of pizzas, potato-based goods, and chicken nuggets - so not the healthiest foods.
But Dr Michael Mosley, who popularised the Fast 800 diet, has urged consumers to not shy away from the freezer aisles in supermarkets, and sometimes, the most nutritionally dense foods can be found there, as he shared that some foods can increase their nutritional value when they're frozen. And, of course, frozen food can save you so much time as you can not only store it for longer, but it can often be prepared quickly as well, taking the fuss out of mealtimes.
Taking to the fast800 blog, he penned: "Balanced, nutritious, whole foods can be just as affordable and just as convenient as fast food or ultra-processed food if you know where to look", and he also shared that "studies have found that the processes involved in commercial freezing increase the nutritional value of some vegetables", which sounds like a win-win for busy working people with tonnes of commitments.
Dr Mosley also shared that having things in your freezer could reduce waste, as you can come to them as and when they're needed. Also, meat and vegetables are often frozen at the height of freshness, so he said "you know you're getting foods that are at their peak of nutrition and flavour" when you opt to shop in the freezer aisle.
With this in mind, he recommended keeping cauliflower rice, discounted meats, ginger, dairy and spinach in the freezer. Dr Mosley said ginger was much easier to use from frozen, and milk and yoghurt could be frozen so you always have some at the ready - even when you've got back from holiday, haven't had time to do a shop yet, but are gasping for a brew.
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He also recommended utilising your freezer space by freezing coconut milk and storing it in ice cube trays so it could be added to a curry or smoothie when you don't need a full tin. "Healthy frozen food can be an excellent way to save you some pennies. But is frozen food healthy? Yes, it absolutely can be", Dr Mosley shared.