Elaine

Ever since our family almost ran out of food during a blizzard, I keep track of what is in our freezer. As soon as the neighbors heard about our food shortage the phone started ringing. Every neighbor offered us chicken. We didn't want them to go out in such frigid weather, and we didn't want to go out, so we didn't accept their chicken. We ate what was on hand and had some creative meals.

For me, stocking up on food is not an option, it is a necessity, and my freezer is full of healthy foods. I keep the freezer full during summer months as well.

Before I tell you what is in my freezer, I will tell you what is NOT in my freezer. There are no "5 for $10 Bucks" pizzas, frozen dinners, soups, coffee cakes, pies or muffins. If there are muffins in the freezer I made them with combination flour (half white, half wheat), sugar-free applesauce, Splenda, and a tablespoon of olive oil. There are other homemade things in the freezer, too.

When I make chili (light on meat, heavy on vegetables), I make extra and freeze it. I try to have flank steak in the freezer because it is lean and adaptable. Though flank steak is pricey, I get a good deal at my local super store. I also freeze leftover beef, chicken, turkey, and rice. Having a well-stocked freezer is comforting and gives me a jump-start on meals. What is in my freezer?

PROTEIN

Chicken breasts (skinless)

Turkey breast

93% lean ground beef (several pounds)

Flank steak

Pork chops (thin cut)

50% less fat pork sausage

Talapia (a farm-raised fish)

Egg substitute (two cartons)

Homemade chili and soup

VEGETABLES

Chopped spinach

Broccoli

Broccoli stir fry

Mixed vegetables

Tiny peas

French green beans

Chopped onions (at least 2 bags)

Vegetable egg rolls (speciality of a local restaurant)

Hash brown potatoes (for vegetable soup)

FRUITS

Strawberries

Blueberries

Raspberries

Sliced peaches

Lemon juice (a so-so substitute for fresh)

BEVERAGES

Calcium-fortified orange juice

Grapefruit juice

Lite grape juice

Lite cranberry juice

Ground coffee (which freezes well)

BREADS

Hamburger buns (lowest salt content I can find)

Whole wheat bread

Homemade muffins

Homemade oatmeal and French bread

OTHER FOODS

Fat-free mozzarella cheese

2% milk cheese

Sugar-free, fat-free ice cream

"Free" whipped topping

When grocery stores run specials on frozen juice and vegetables I take advantage of them. I also keep special foods on hand, such as frozen artichokes and angel food cake, in case we have unexpected company. What is in your freezer? Take inventory now. Discard unrecognizable food, food with freezer burn, old food, and unhealthy food. Buying healthy foods for your freezer helps you to cook healthy, eat healthy, and live healthy.

Copyright 2006 by Harriet Hodgson

http://www.harriethodgson.com
http://www.healthwriter.blogspot.com

Harriet Hodgson has been a nonfiction writer for 27 years and is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com A five-star review of the book is posted on Amazon. You will find another review on the American Hospice Foundation website under the "School Corner" heading.