Freezer Fillers

A well-stocked freezer can make life a lot simpler – less food shopping trips, less need to cook from scratch daily and less food wastage 

With lifestyles becoming busier and time often in short supply are you making the most of your freezer? If you stock up on healthy meal options it can save you time in the long run. It also helps keep you on track if you have some options you can simply defrost in the microwave at short notice in case something comes up and you are unable to cook properly 

Try the following: 

• Have a few bags of frozen veg – easy to cook, healthy and you can get mixed bags thus getting more of your 5 a day 

• Frozen berries are a great option – take out a handful in the evening and sprinkle on your cereal in the morning 

• Buy big cheap packs of chops, fish fillets and freeze in individual portions. You can even buy chicken breasts now that you can cook from frozen (they have been pre – cooked) 

• Cook large portions of many of your favourite dishes and freeze where possible – your own supply of healthy, ready meals! 

• Clear out all the stuff that takes up loads of space and you never use – ice packs or big bags of ice cubes for example 

• Make pasta sauces and freeze in little containers – defrost when needed and just add to freshly cooked pasta for a quick meal. Add a handful of salad from a pre – chopped salad bag and a healthy meal is ready 

• Go easy on the processed meats like sausages and bacon – stock up on more chicken and lean meat instead 

• Instead of normal frozen chips buy low fat ones or ones with the skins left on to increase the fibre 

• Make homemade soups and freeze in liquid bags – a super, healthy lunch option – add crackers or a slice of bread to give it the texture 

• If your family only likes white bread, keep a little wholemeal one just for you in the freezer. Take out the number of slices you will need the night before 

• Mini corn on the cobs are a great veg option – cook from frozen 

• Mince based dishes are great to freeze – chilli, Bolognese sauce, mince and onion 

• Try a new recipe once a month. Choose one that is freezable, cook plenty and start to stock up your freezer 

• Little bags of rice and veg or steamed veg packs are handy to have in the freezer to accompany a meal. Simply pop them in the microwave from frozen 

• Big packs of Yorkshire puddings can use up half your freezer space – make your own occasionally or buy the little boxes of ones that you cook in the oven! Go easy on them though as they can push up the calories in your meal 

• The odd ready meal is ok – choose a healthy range and count it into your portions! Generally, you might need to add a little salad or crunchy veg on the side 

• A giant homemade lasagne can be cut into squares, popped into freezer bags and frozen. You get loads of meals from one – simply add crunchy veg and your meal is complete 

Losing weight can be difficult so planning ahead can make it easier. Stock up your freezer with all your healthy favourites and make your weight loss goals easier to achieve!