The afternoon rush, where family life is a blur of homework, hungry children and housework, leaves little time for both emergency dashes to the shops for supplies or indeed dinner preparations.
Breakfast and snack times can also be time-strapped, so the trick is always to make sure you have a secret stash on hand.
Enter your freezer. That’s right. This GREAT appliance has been a little unloved of late, and overlooked perhaps for all the juicers, blenders and spiralizers you have felt more or less obliged to invest in. But no more. Take charge of your freezer and you are guaranteed to save yourself time, money, calories and stress.
As well as leaving room for leftovers that can be frozen and taken out again on days when time is of an essence, here are 10 things you should try and make sure always
1. Grapes
If you have yet to discover the amazing-ness that is frozen grapes, boy have you missed out! These little beauties will make a sweet and refreshing treat after a long day at work or in school, and are also perfect to put into little one’s lunch boxes. They work great as a snack, but also because they act as en edible cooling element, keeping the rest of their lunch fresh.
2. Bread
Whether you bake your own (which is such a good way of saving money AND time!) or buy it in, you should always make sure you have a little stockpile of sliced bread in your freezer. It defrosts in no time and will ensure you always have fresh bread on hand for lunch boxes or late night (semi-healthy) snack attacks.
3. Wholegrain tortillas (wraps)
These make great bases for healthy pizzas and wraps, perfect for both lunch or dinners that need to be done in a hurry. Top with whatever you have handy, we love a bit of pesto, goat’s cheese and maybe a little chorizo. YUM.
4. Bacon
Perfect for adding a little meaty touch to pasta’s or salads, or even throwing together a BLT sandwich. The slices don’t take up much freezer space at all and defrosts quickly.
5. Berries
Berries in your freezer are a must. They are packed full of antioxidants and are great in smoothies, breakfast bowls, or even as a sweet snack on their own.
6. Green vegetables
Veggies like broccoli, peas, green beans and edamame freezes well, and are great to have on hand for nearly every dinner going. Great for throwing into soups of stir-fry’s for some added goodness.
7. Bananas
Never ever let too-ripe bananas go to waste again. Simply chop up and throw into little freezer bags, ready to be tossed into your morning smoothie.
8. Soup
Always make more soup than you need and freeze. You will thank yourself later.
9. Sauces and stocks
Again, if you go through the effort of making sauces or stock, always make more than you need. It will save you so much time and trouble to have some handy when one of those days roll around when you are chasing your tail from morning to bedtime.
What do you keep in your freezer to help keep your eating habits in check? Feel free to share your best tips with us and drop me an e-mail at [email protected]
