Frozen vegetables & fruit

I am a novice when knowing what is good and what is bad food wise. I have never counted calories, but want to start to eat a little more healthy.

Are frozen vegetables as healthy as non-frozen?

I have heard opposing views, my Dad who is a Vet believes frozen vegetables can be more healthy because the vitimins and minerals are preserved in healthy fresh state. However, the majority of people I speak to seem to think otherwise and that fresh is always better than frozen.

Likewise, is frozen fruit ok?

I have smoothies most morning that have frozen berries in it – is this just as good?

Thanks

Joe

Everything I’ve read says fresh or frozen… both the same. The only thing you have to avoid is canned.

Thanks Kellydigital

I’ve heard that the only reason to avoid canned goods is the large amount of sodium. Kellydigital, is there a reason other than this to avoid canned vegetables?

For many reasons:

- sodium
- unnecessary preservatives
- additional sugars/sweetners/syrups
- extensive heating during the canning process causes vitamins & other nutrients to leech into liquid

I decided to jump on this question for the blog:
Ask Adam: Fresh, Frozen, or Canned?

Apparently, frozen veggies aren’t as bad as I thought.

Found this on msn.com:

A recent study found that the vitamin C content of fresh broccoli plummeted 56 percent in seven days, but dipped just 10 percent in a year’s time when frozen at -20 degrees Celsius. In addition, the levels of a disease fighting antioxidant called anthocyanins, and some minerals, including potassium (which helps control blood pressure) actually increased after freezing. Just look for veggies with one ingredient (the veggie itself) and no additives, preservatives and sauces.

http://health.msn.com/nutrition/slideshow.aspx?...

Nutritional content aside, I consider frozen veggies to be more important to a healthy lifestyle simply because of the convenience factor. I don’t get to the store enough to always have fresh veggies on hand, and you can’t eat it if it’s not there.
Also, the selection of frozen veggies has gotten a lot better than it used to be.
So, even if you sacrifice a small bit of nutrition, I think it’s out weighed by constant availability and easy preparation.

There’s nothing wrong with frozen, fresh is better but only just.

I also want to point out something I’ve noticed, but as the price of all groceries have increased, the price of fresh vegetables is getting ridiculously high. If you want organic, is even higher. Just wanted to throw that out there to fresh fruit purists that think you should go fresh or don’t go at all.

I think the organic craze has gone way overboard; I mean very hard to see or taste the benefits to justify the so steep price difference .

I think the benefit between fresh vs. frozen is marginal. I opt for fresh simply because I prefer the taste and texture to frozen and I live in a part of the world where fresh veggies and fruit are easy to come by and not too expensive.

Recently I have opted for the more expensive organic produce. I agree there is little difference in look and taste (though I do think organic tomatoes and carrots taste better). Nutritional content has proven to be pretty much the identical between organic and non-organic. However, ‘certified’ organic has been shown to have lower presence of herbicides and pesticides and I’ve had enough of industry chemicals in my food (which is why processed food got the nix too). I’m also making an effort to buy more local produce. Last weekend I went to the farmers market and realized I’d forgot what ‘real fresh vegetables’ look like. Not comparable to anything you find in a supermarket – organic or not. The difference was actually quite shocking for this urban dweller.

bleh!

Organic Craze!?!?
Organic is the way the earth intended for us to eat. You dont see animals in the wild getting sick like us humans! They eat all natural organic vegetables. Duh. Even Freezing destroys some of the nutrients needed to sustain optimal body regulation

http://www.thenaturalorganicrecipe.com

Frozen foods are really healthy diet?
Frozen foods diet: we know that the healthy choice for names, Lean Cuisine, Smart Ones, Kashi, Weight Watchers and many others. Are these foods really good for us? The answer is simple: it can be as long as you know what to look for. Here’s a quick look at the real story behind the frozen foods diet.

The advantage of frozen food diet

The diet frozen food consumption makes it possible to lose weight. The reason is simple. These foods are often sold frozen in portions exact size. When making food at home is difficult to judge portion sizes, making it easy to overeat. Frozen food diet has parts that are appropriate. If nothing else, these foods can help you learn appropriate portion sizes to eat with your meal.

The disadvantages of the diet of frozen foods

Frozen food diet are not as nutritious meals to prepare yourself because of its high frequency condoms and sodium content. Many frozen foods contain between 700 to1800 mg of sodium. With the recommended daily maximum of 2,300 mg of sodium, which is difficult to stay below the maximum! This is especially important for high-risk consumers, such as those with high blood pressure.

Many frozen diet meals under 300 calories. Without others to supplement calories, 3 frozen meals a day does not provide enough calories for most people. The danger exists undereating. Undereating causes your body’s metabolism to slow, making it harder to lose weight. It is also a disadvantage for people with active lifestyles.

Finally, many frozen foods do not provide enough fruits and vegetables to meet their daily nutritional needs. The frozen dinners diet alone without additional fruits and vegetables can lead to vitamin deficiency.

Here are some helpful tips when picking up your frozen food diet will help you with a healthier diet:

Frozen fruits and vegetables

When buying frozen vegetables, avoid those that contain any kind of cheese sauce. These foods are high in calories and saturated fat. Second, avoid frozen fruits in syrup. The golden rule is: check the ingredients. The only ingredients to be included in the purchase fruits or vegetables that are fruits or vegetables themselves.

Chicken or turkey burgers

Always be sure to follow the instructions on the preparation of this type of frozen food. Some of these come precooked and others are raw.

Vegetarian Burgers

Always make sure that soy is either the first or second ingredient.

Frozen foods

Frozen meals come in two types: light meals under 300 calories and 8 grams of fat, and regular meals with 360 to 400 calories and a maximum of 25 g of fat. Whenever possible, go for light meals. You will also find foods with lots of vegetables. Not only do these foods have fewer calories, but also have a greater amount of vitamins and fiber.

By eating a frozen meal, serve with a salad or a side of fruits or vegetables, maybe even a roll of bread. Not only will you be full after a meal and less likely to eat snacks, but also better be able to get all their nutritional requirements.

When buying a frozen meal, searching for the following numbers:

250 to 300 calories
Less than 4 g fat
Less than 800 mg sodium
At least one cup of vegetables
½ to 1 cup of brown rice or whole wheat pasta
¾ cup dry beans or lean meat, fish or chicken
The important point to take away is that frozen food is not healthy diet on their own. It is still important to pay attention to nutrition labels and plan meals accordingly. Can be an important part of their diet, as long as you pay attention and make sure you are eating healthy.

I Love frozen fruit in my protein shakes. Probably veggies would taste great too, perhaps will try it out someday

Fresh is always better. But frozen isn’t bad for you. Canned is though however, they add a much of artificial flavors that can add calories so beware!