Content created for the Nestle #BalanceYourPlate Challenge!
As a wife, mother, and full-time professional, preparing a fresh and balanced meal is always a challenge; especially if you are traveling abroad many times throughout the year like I am. It is times like these when it is sometimes a real challenge to get a meal in the table. Thankfully, Stouffer’s and Lean Cuisine offer frozen meals that are not only delicious, but also are developed with less sodium per serving, less saturated fat and higher amounts of essential nutrients such as Vitamin C and calcium to name a few. Thanks to these quick, delicious, yet nutritious meals, I have been able to “save the day” in my home during my busiest days. Before anyone is able to say, “I am hungry” or “what’s for dinner”, I am able to get a frozen entrée ready in just a few minutes. However, as a nutritionist, I always like to make sure my family is eating foods from at least three different food groups at meal times, so pairing a delicious frozen entrée with our favorite fruits, vegetables, whole grains or low-fat dairy makes it easy to whip a balanced meal in a snap. See the photo of one of my recent food pairing creations using Stouffers Lasagna Bake with Meat Sauce topped with extra low fat Mozzarella cheese, chopped walnuts and paired with a small salad on a stick with grape tomatoes, avocado and cheese chunks.
Also, while shopping for groceries with fall flavors in mind, I came across a Lean Cuisine Butternut Squash Ravioli that really got my attention. I quickly made it for lunch and in addition to the carrots, peas and peppers it already contained, I decided to add a few more diced carrots and peppers, chopped onions, and chopped walnuts (for added protein) and sauté them in 1 to 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Finally, I topped the prepared entrée with the sautéed veggie/walnut mixture. It was quick, full of flavor, nutritious, and deliciously appetizing!
Additionally, I find that purchasing frozen entrees either for a rainy day, daily use, or for a special occasion is both practical and efficient. With that in mind, I’d like to share with you some quick, savory, and healthy meals that can be easily prepared with your frozen entrees:
- Frozen Stouffer’s French Bread Pizza—add diced plum tomatoes, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, black pepper and pinch of sea salt.
- Frozen Stouffer’s Lasagna with Meat & Sauce – for some fun and creative kid interaction, serve with a salad on a stick. Have the kids add chunks of avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and cheese chunks.
- Rotini Pasta with Frozen BUITONI Refrigerated All Natural Pesto with Basil—add diced black olives, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
- Frozen Stouffer’s Macaroni and Cheese – add chopped black pepper, a pinch of cayenne, some spinach or chopped broccoli, diced turkey (leftovers) or pieces of vegetarian bacon.
- Frozen Stouffer’s Chicken Enchiladas—top or serve with guacamole, chopped tomatoes, refried beans and light sour cream.
