Why Lazy Cooks Love Frozen Veggies

Perusing the produce section for vegetables can feel intimidating. What do I do with broccoli? Will I actually cook Brussels sprouts? How long will it take me to cook cauliflower? Will I just end up throwing the asparagus in the trash if it goes bad?

Needless to say eating enough veggies is my downfall, but I have a lazy way of adding them gives me that “I can do this attitude.” It all begins in my grocer’s freezer section. Now frozen veggies can be thought of as second-rate, but they’re actually just as full of nutrients as fresh. They’re my lifesaver timesaver to Power Up any meal.

3 Reasons Why I Prefer Frozen Veggies

Keeping a well stocked freezer helps me with a few things:

1. I don't get burned out on one veggie - The average grocery store will have a variety you can choose from, like the list below, as well as bags with multiple different vegetables mixed together. Speciality stores will carry even more.
   • Asparagus
   • Bell pepper
   • Broccoli
   • Brussels sprouts
   • Carrots
   • Cauliflower
   • Green beans
   • Mushrooms
   • Potatoes
   • Spinach
   • Sweet corn

   If you’re not use to eating frozen veggies, you might choose one that has added seasonings, which can mean extra calories, but this will warm your taste buds up to them. Not sure what’s in the package…just flip it over to read the ingredients.

2. They save me money - For me, using frozen veggies…
   • Keeps emergency meal ideas easily available so I’m less likely to say “Lets just go out to eat.” Frozen veggies are way cheaper than eating out.
   • Keeps me from paying out the wazoo for out of season fresh produce.
   • Keeps me from feeling defeated when I have to chuck a head of broccoli in the trash because it’s turned brown. Who likes throwing money in the garbage?! Me neither.
3. They are quick and easy - Steamer bags are the best invention since sliced bread in my opinion. They’re a quick and easy side dish to any meal. No prep time to cook. Just pop one in the microwave for about 5 minutes and voilà! It’s ready to eat.

As you get comfortable using these frozen staples, start thinking of ways you can add them to Power Up dishes you’re already cooking. Green peas and carrots can be an easy addition to any casserole or soup. Turn a basic pesto pasta dish into a Superfood feast with broccoli tossed in. Let me give you some examples.

4 Full Plate Approved Recipes Featuring Frozen Vegetables

1. Parisian Green Beans
2. Grilled Brussels Sprouts
3. Mediterranean Chicken Farfalle
4. Just as a side or throw it all in a Crockpot for soup.

Don’t forget you can find other high fiber foods in your freezer section. I love frozen blueberries in my oatmeal. I’ve spotted a variety of frozen beans as well as frozen rice too.

Happy shopping!