New Year Fresh Start Day 11: Freezer Refresh!
Creating an anti-inflammatory freezer
Welcome to Day 11 of the New Year Fresh Start Challenge! Today’s Focus: Creating a Nourishing Freezer
Yesterday’s focus was all about gut health and gut healthy recipes to try… Today we take some action and tackle the freezer! Taking time to evaluate what you have in your freezer can help you create an anti-inflammatory section of your kitchen that is perfect for storing healthy foods for a longer length of time.
Your checklist for today includes:
Read through our freezer Buy/Replace and Phase-Out lists
Apply it to one shelf (or one grouping) at a time until you are done
As you go through, write down items to replace on a dedicated list - use the ingredient label info on Day 3 to help guide you
Creating a Nourishing Freezer
“Ideally, we would all be better off if we always ate organic, fresh vegetables at the peak of ripeness, when their nutrient levels are highest. That may be possible during harvest season if you grow your own vegetables or live near a farm stand that sells fresh, seasonal produce, but most of us have to make compromises. Frozen vegetables are a good alternative and may be superior to the off-season fresh vegetables sold in supermarkets.
“The advantage of frozen fruits and vegetables is that they are usually picked when they’re ripe, and then blanched in hot water to kill bacteria and stop enzyme activity that can spoil food. Then they’re flash frozen, which tends to preserve nutrients. If you can afford it, buy frozen fruits and vegetables stamped USDA “U.S. Fancy,” the highest standard and the one most likely to deliver the most nutrients. When buying frozen fruits and vegetables, steer away from those that have been chopped, peeled, or crushed; they will generally be less nutritious.” - Dr. Weil
Products to Help You Organize Your Freezer
Below are some products that can help you organize your pantry space.
Silicon Freezer Trays. These silicone freezer trays are perfect for storing single-serving leftovers.
Freezer Organizer Bins. Freezer storage baskets can help to efficiently organize your freezer, so you can see what you have on hand - and use up older items before freezer burn happens!
Stackable Ice Cube Trays. This ice cube tray and storage bin is great for anyone without an ice maker - simple to fill and storage is built in.
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Tomorrow’s challenge includes a Guide To Storing Leftovers (including insight into freezer burn) and Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie Recipes!