Healthy meals are always a hot topic of conversation for busy families. As parents, especially, knowing your children are getting healthy meals is important for their growth, development, and nutrition.
But, schedules today are busier than ever. People are working longer hours. Kids are involved in sports and arts and other activities that require a lot of time and travel. It can be hard to plan out healthy meals, let alone find time to make them. In fact, only 40% of Americans eat dinner together at least three times a week.
That’s where frozen meals can make a big difference.
Yes, frozen dinners – but not the same ones that are likely popping into your head right now! The standard “TV dinners” are still out there, of course, but they have given frozen foods a sort of bad reputation where there doesn’t need to be one. You can actually find healthy, delicious, and nutrition-packed meals in the freezer section of your grocery store that take only minutes to make.
Still not convinced frozen food can be healthy? Let’s look at some of the benefits.
1. Freshness is Ensured
Frozen food is actually incredibly fresh since most of the ingredients are “flash frozen” immediately after they’re produced. That allows them to hold onto their nutritional value.
In some cases, frozen fruits and vegetables can even hold more nutritional value. They’re usually picked at the peak of perfection and frozen immediately. Fresh produce tends to have to travel long distances after being picked and can sit in a store for days before you purchase it, losing more nutrition each day.
2. Endless Meal Options
You can find frozen foods in just about every ethnicity. Craving Italian? Find it in the frozen aisle. Looking for Chinese? It’ll be there too! Manufacturers like Tei Pei frozen food create a variety of dishes from across the globe so you won’t burn out on having the same meals every single night. You don’t have to be a great cook in order to enjoy authentic meals.
You can even pair pre-made meals with fresh veggies, or a salad that’s quick to chop up and serve on the side. The options are truly endless.
3. Works With Your Wallet
Many families who are too busy to cook regular meals find themselves going out to dinner, or even swinging through a drive-thru several nights a week. While that can be convenient, quick, and easy, it isn’t always the most economical solution.
Frozen meals are typically inexpensive, especially when you consider that one bagged or boxed meal can feed your whole family. There’s a common misconception that healthy food is overpriced, but when it comes to fresh and flavorful frozen dinners, that certainly isn’t the case. Plus, there’s less waste involved, since you don’t have to worry about any meats or produce going bad before you get a chance to prepare the meal.
Since frozen foods are a staple for many people, most grocery stores will also run sales on them each week, so shop smart when you can, and you might be surprised at how much money you can save by not eating out.
So, throw away the misconceptions you might have about the old, stereotypical “TV dinner.” Frozen meals have come a long way, and they’re a great option for dinners with your family on busy nights!