Common Misconceptions
There is a common misconception that frozen food is not good for you. While fresh food can be very nutritious, that does not mean that all frozen foods are bad for your health. Frozen foods can be both affordable and high quality, and there are many options offered.
Frozen foods from all food groups are available, including vegetables, fruits, dairy, protein, and even whole grain items. Using frozen foods can save you time as well as space, since they can all be stored in the freezer.
One of the main benefits to frozen food is the fact that nutrients and minerals get locked in to the food during the freezing process. Because of this, the food has no change in its carbs, protein, or fat content. Surprisingly, some frozen foods actually retain their nutrients better than fresh food, as the freezing preserves the nutrients when the fresh food might lose them over time.
However, even though many frozen foods can be good for you, that is not the case in every situation. Make sure to keep an eye on the nutrition facts on your frozen items, avoiding options that are high in saturated fat, added sugars, and salt. Another important thing to consider when purchasing frozen dinners is that the nutrition facts listed are for one serving, when the dinner might contain multiple servings.
When it comes to keeping your foods safe, you should read the directions for storage and cooking on the package. When it is time to thaw your foods, the safest way to do so is in the refrigerator. You can also thaw frozen foods by placing them in a bag and putting them in cold water. If you do decide to thaw using a microwave, the food should be cooked and eaten immediately after.
Myths and Facts:
Myth: Frozen dinners aren’t made with real ingredients.
Fact: Frozen meals can contain very high quality ingredients and some might have even been prepared the way you would have made them at home.
Myth: Frozen foods come ready to eat
Fact: You should follow the directions on the package for safe handling, storage, and cooking methods.
Myth: Frozen meals are bad for the environment
Fact: Since you can store frozen foods longer and portion them out depending on how much you need, you can use what you need and save the rest for later.
Myth: Frozen food is more expensive than take out
Fact: Meals you can purchase at restaurants can be offered as frozen meals, and those can be sold for a few dollars or less.
Myth: Frozen meals are not as good for you if you are worried about healthy eating
Fact: Frozen meals offer many healthy options. Some frozen meals provide information that make it easier for customers to control how many calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium they take in.
Information taken from eatright.org and frozenadvantage.org.
