Have you ever read product recommendations on someone’s website, and thought, “I want to get that product later,” but then later comes around and you can’t remember the name of the product, where you can buy it, or which post talked about the product the first place? Well, this has happened to me so I wanted a place where you could find a list of my favorite products. These are the products I have talked about throughout this website.
I hope you find this list a great resource of some of the best health, nutrition, and fitness products.
Why would you need a door shoe rack, you ask? A few years ago, I bought a similar shoe rack to the one below and hung the rack over the pantry door. I like the clear shoe racks so that my children can easily see what is inside. I keep healthy snacks like popcorn, cups of mandarin oranges, and whole-wheat crackers on the lower shoe compartments. These are snacks my children (and I) can easily grab anytime. I keep a small portion of their favorite not-so-healthy snacks in the higher shoe compartments. My children can’t reach these compartments and have to ask me if they can have these snacks.
Sheet Protector and Dry Erase Markers
In my “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” eBook, I talk about how I place my grocery list in a sheet protector. By doing this, I can use the same grocery list every time I shop. I simply use a dry erase marker to mark off items I already have, and to mark off items as a grocery shop.
If you are looking for a detailed freezer meal plan and weight loss guide, you will want to purchase the “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” ebook.
The “What is Preventing You From Living a Healthier Life?” interactive quiz
Mindful eating techniques and guide
A Complete Healthy Freezer Meal Plan: You will learn how to cook all of your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for a whole month in ONE day. Don’t worry, I don’t just give you a bunch of recipes adn tell you to cook them in one day. The ebook includes strategies and “Pro Tips” on HOW to efficiently cook your meals in one day.
The goals of cooking all of your meals in ONE Day are:
More daily free time,
A decreased grocery bill,
Healthier meals for the whole family,
Less daily stress, and
Weight Loss/Weight Maintenance
Learn more about the “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” eBook here.
Here are a Few Reviews from the “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” Launch Team
“I have lost 17 pounds since I started eating these freezer meals. They are healthy AND taste great!!! We are now eating at home more, which has made a huge difference!” Chad, South Carolina
“As I read this book, I kept thinking, ‘this is so much more than a freezer meal cookbook! Lacy needs to be a life coach! She has such a positive outlook on life!’ “The Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” ebook is so uplifing and encouraging!” Wendy, South Carolina
“I can actually see a decrease in my grocery bill since I started eating these freezer meals, and my kids love them! We are eating healthier now. Plus, we are eating more meals together as a family!” Nicole, South Carolina
eBook Resource
I used the “eBook Ninja” ebook by Megan Johnson to learn how to write, format, promote, and sell my eBook, and I could not have made the Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals eBook without it!
I also read her book “Pinterest Ninja.” This book helped my blog become successful through Pinterest. Both of her books were so helpful!
The KitchenAid standing mixerand the multi-cooker are my two favorite kitchen appliances in my house. (okay the microwave is pretty awesome too!)
I have talked some about the multi-cooker in other posts, but today I want to talk about the six things that I like to do with my Kitchen Aid standing mixer and attachmentsbesides mixing batter or dough.
Mix Meatloaf or Meatballs
I use the basic mixer and the flat beater that comes with most mixers to mix up my meatloaf and meatball ingredients.
2. Mix Guacamole and other dips
The basic mixer and beaters also work great for evenly blending guacamole and other dips.
What is a vegetable sheet cutter, you ask? Think, lasagna noodles made out of zucchini!!!
5. Slicing Vegetables
I like to make freezer meals in bulk, but I don’t love cutting all the vegetable at once that go into multiple recipes. The Vegetable Slicer/Shredder makse slicing vegetable so much easier!
Is the KitchenAid Standing Mixerawesome or what! I just love all the attachments, and all the creative things you can do witht he standing mixer! Which is your favorite attachment? What are some other ways you use your standing mixer?
I just discovered a company that can help us regulary keep these awesome fruits and vegetables in our homes, and I wanted to share it with you. The company is called Farm Fresh To You. This company actually delivers fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the farm to you. How fun and exciting is that! Okay maybe I am easily excitable, but really, wouldn’t you be excited when you found a box of fresh fruits and vegetables right at your door!
One of the easiest ways to make sure you are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is to make sure they are always available in your home!
How It Works
Simply go to Fresh Farm to You, and pick the box you want delivered. You can choose whether you want a mix of fruits and vegetables, only vegetables, only fruit, the “No Cooking Box” or the “Snack Box.” Next, decide if you want a Small, Regular, More, or Monster box.
Now, you can even customize your box by switching out produce. You can also order other farm products along with your box like pasture-raised eggs, nuts, grains, and honey.
You can choose to have your box delivered every week, every other week, every 3 weeks, or every month.
I just think this is a fun and convenient way to keep your family eating healthy.
Click the box below to save $40 ($10 of your first 4 boxes)!
Have you ever tried Farm Fresh To You? Which boxes did you get?
“My Work Makes It Hard for Me to Lose Weight.” Have you ever said this?
Many of my clients and friends have said similar words, and I have been there too. Work Environments are a challenge for many, but the good news is their are easy habits you can implement to help you reach your wellness goals even when work makes it hard. Here are a few tips that can help you in a difficult work environment.
Mindfully Eat: Mindful eating can help in any environment. To read more about mindful eating click here. You can also download the Free Mindful Planner here.
Walk during your lunch break, and eat a bag lunch at your desk. Try inviting them to join you on your walk.
Have nourishing mood-boosting dark chocolate or healthy packaged snacks in your candy jar; instead of candy. Find nourishing and filling packaged snack ideas here.
Bring your food instead of getting fast food, take out, or vending.
Bring a pre-portioned nourishing frozen meal to work every day. Click here for the healthiest packaged frozen dinners according to dietitians.
Make your own pre-portioned meals ahead of time. You can learn how to EASILY build your own meals in The Nourishing Meal Builder books.
Have a fruit bowl instead of a candy bowl at work.
Pre-portion nourishing snacks to take to work like fruits or sliced vegetables.
Keep healthy options like carrot sticks closer to you or on your desk for when you are craving snacks.
Turn dinner from the night before into a healthy lunch, by putting a serving of your dinner into a light whole wheat wrap.
Sometimes it can be mentally draining to figure out what meals to bring to work day in and day out. If you want to take the stress out of planning your meals for work, then get it all done in a day! The “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” ebook show you how to make a month of healthy freezer meals in one day. When you are ready to go to work, just grab a pre-portioned lunch out of the freezer and go. When it is time to eat lunch, simply pop your freezer meal in the microwave for two minutes and your healthy lunch is ready to eat! If work meals are your main issue, you can just use the lunch section of the ebook, or you can make all of your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for a month in one day using this ebook!
Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals eBook
Mindful Eating Can Help in Any Environment
*Remember that mindful eating can often help in any environment. To read more about mindful eating click here. You can also download the Free Mindful Planner here.
If you would like to evaluate your own wellness plan and determine which tips work best for you, please take the free Christian Wellness self assessment and evaluation developed by a registered dietitian.
Hi All! I am so excited about this free printable 7-Day Mindful Planner! Oh how mindfulness has changed my daily life. I mean…on the days I remember to embrace mindfulness and focus on the presence of God, I am so much more relaxed, and I make better choices. The days I forget to be mindful are a different story. My mindLESS days are a stressful blur and my choices…well, let’s just say I usually want a do-over by the end of the day.
I realized I needed to make mindfulness a priority so I decided to develop the 7-Day Mindful Planner.
This site contains affiliate links (See full disclosure here.)
I love this planner!
The Mindful Planner
What is Included in this Planner?
The first page of the planner provides a mindfulness daily quick reference. Then the following pages include daily mindful Bible verses, space to include mindful exercise, as well as space for meal planning (mindful eating is a huge part of mindfulness).
My favorite part of the planner, however, is the mindful gratitude journal space. (A grateful attitude is also a huge part of mindfulness). In this section, you can reflect and write about the best parts of your day. What a fun way to end your day!
You can download and print as many of these free sheets as you need! I like to print enough for a month, and put them in a pretty binder.
The “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” ebook
The “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” ebook not only includes more mindful eating strategies and techniques, but this ebook also includes a detailed freezer meal plan and weight loss guide!
The “What is Preventing You From Living a Healthier Life?” interactive quiz
Mindful eating techniques and guide
A Complete Healthy Freezer Meal Plan: You will learn how to cook all of your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for a whole month in ONE day. Don’t worry, I don’t just give you a bunch of recipes and tell you to cook them in one day. The ebook includes strategies and “Pro Tips” on HOW to efficiently cook your meals in one day.
The goals of cooking all of your meals in ONE Day are:
More daily free time,
A decreased grocery bill,
Healthier meals for the whole family,
Less daily stress, and
Weight Loss/Weight Maintenance
Learn more about the “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” eBook here.
“I have lost 17 pounds since I started eating these freezer meals. They are healthy AND taste great!!! We are now eating at home more, which has made a huge difference!” Chad, South Carolina
“As I read this book, I kept thinking, ‘this is so much more than a freezer meal cookbook! Lacy needs to be a life coach! She has such a positive outlook on life!’ “The Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” ebook is so uplifing and encouraging!” Wendy, South Carolina
“I can actually see a decrease in my grocery bill since I started eating these freezer meals, and my kids love them! We are eating healthier now. Plus, we are eating more meals together as a family!” Nicole, South Carolina
Click here to learn more about the “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” ebook
Healthy Cooking Hacks: Clever Hacks for Making the Foods Your Love Healthier
Can You Eat the Same Foods You Love and Still Lose Weight?
Well, yes, no and maybe. “Weight Loss cooking” involves substituting ingredients in recipes with similar healthier foods. Small substitutions can greatly increase nutrient content and reduce calories in the foods you already love. For example, one cup of regular mac-n-cheese has about 540 calories. If you substitute skim milk for whole milk, light cheddar cheese for full-fat cheddar cheese, and add more vegetables like broccoli; then, one cup of mac-n-cheese can go from 540 to 315 calories! Or eating a can of Tuna in water instead of oil saves you around 80 calories! You can also practice eating the SAME foods you love until you are satisfied by using mindfulness techniques. I talk more about mindfulness in other posts. However, you may want to try both mindfulness AND altering some of your cooking techniques and ingredients to tweak your favorite recipes.
This site contains affiliate links (See full disclosure here.)
You can make the foods you love healthier by either adding nutrients or, if needed, decreasing the calories. Some people may only want to increase the amount of nutrients while others may feel that they are eating calories in excess. Many tips below provide ways to increase essential nutrients in foods; while other tips provide ways to decrease calories. Many of these tips will do both! Pick a few ideas to implement based on your needs.
Can You Still Eat the Same Foods you Love and Still Lose Weight?
How to Make the Foods You Already Eat Healthier: The Basics
Add more vegetables to recipes. When you add more vegetables the same amount of food will have more nutrients and fewer calories per serving . For example, one cup of mac-n-cheese without vegetables will be more calories than 1 cup of mac-n-cheese with vegetables, or 1 cup of noodle soup with added vegetables is going to have fewer calories than a cup of noodle soup without vegetables. See how that works?
Eat fruits and vegetables at every meal. Even better, fill half your plate with a fruit or vegetable.
Choose the whole-wheat/whole grain version of rice, pasta, cereals, snacks, and breads. Remember to look for whole grain or whole wheat on the label. Multi-grain does not always mean whole grain.
Use a pressure cooker to cook flavorful meals.
Microwave, steam or boil vegetables in a small amount of water or stir fry vegetables in cooking spray.
Have more vegetables than meat.
Always drain off fat after cooking. Blot food with a paper towel before eating. For ground beef, drain meat in a colander after cooking.
Cook foods and prepare recipes using the healthier version of your favorite foods and sauces. Examples would be mayo made with olive oil instead of regular mayo or no sugar added ketchup.
Add flavor to salad with Lemon Juice, vinegar, and olive oil or use light dressings.
Evidence-based list of foods that boost mood, reduce anxiety; support the immune system; promote cognitive function,; and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Plus meal builder cards are provided to help you build healthy meals with foods from the list.
An evidence-based list of foods that boost mood; promote cognitive function, focus, attention, alertness, and memory; support the immune system; aid in weight loss; reduce the risk of chronic diseases, autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, joint pain, and even seasonal allergies.
A simple meal plan checklist that will help you eat balanced meals on a daily basis that fuels your mind, body, and spirit.
A faith-based mindfulness and mindful eating guide: These are actual steps and strategies that will help you implement mindful eating and mindful living into your life. Also explore how faith-based mindfulness can help with our moods, behaviors, and even our health
Printable Meal Builder cards: This is an amazing tool that takes the stress out of creating healthy meals everyday. With the meal builder cards, you will be able to put together meals on the fly, without even needing a recipe.
Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals
Sometimes we might want to prepare our favorite foods in a more healthy, nutritious way, but with our busy lives we just don’t have the time to cook! Or we are so stressed and mentally drained by the end of the day that we don’t have enough energy or creativity left to think about “what’s for dinner.”
I am both a dietitian who actually LOVES to cook, AND a busy mom who couldn’t find the time to cook! I knew I needed to figure something out! This is how the “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” ebook was born.
I am not exaggerating when I say making a month’s worth of healthy freezer meals in one day has changed my life!
(Keep reading for a month’s worth of healthy dinner recipes, but if you want to learn how to make a month of healthy breakfast, lunch, AND dinner recipes in one day, you may want to look into the “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals,” ebook. The recipes and grocery lists are included. Plus the ebook is much more than just recipes. The “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” ebook also includes strategies and “pro tips” on how to efficiently cook all your meals in ONE Day!)
Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals eBook
I mean who wouldn’t love cooking for one day each month and then being done for the whole month! The benefits are endless.
I have more daily free time;
My grocery bill has decreased,
My family is eating healthier, and
I am less stressed about what to cook and when am I going to cook each night.
We are also eating at home more because we are less likely to say, “There’s nothing to eat so lets just go out.” As you can imagine, planning and prepping a months worth of freezer meals in one day is also a fantastic weight loss technique for ALL of the above reasons! Plus enjoying your food is probably one of the most important tips for lasting weight loss. These freezer meals are delicious, nutritious, easy homecooked meals that you can enjoy. Also remember to practice mindfulness to further enjoy your meals.
This site contains affiliate links (See full disclosure here.)
*One of the perks to cooking a month’s worth of freezer meals ahead of time is you can save money by buying in bulk. You also save by sticking to a grocery list. Another way I save a huge amount of money is by using ibotta whether I grocery shop in a grocery store or online. I have saved so much money ever since I downloaded the free ibotta app to my phone.
Make a Month’s Worth of Freezer Meals in One Day
After I grocery shop, I spend a few hours one day making these meals, and boom I have finished cooking my dinners for a month!
So for this post I wanted to provide you with 15 of my favorite freezer meals. One freezer meal last our family of four for 2 meals so 15 meals provides our family 30 dinners, i.e. a months worth of dinners. When you take into account that we will eat out occasionally, these 15 meals will often last our family for MORE than a month! You can always double the recipes for larger families. The recipes and grocery list are included in this post.
How to make a Healthy Plate with your Freezer Meals
When I am ready to eat a meal, I usually add a quick and easy microwavable vegetable side. After all, the whole point of making freezer meals ahead is so that I don’t have to do a bunch of cooking every day. My absolute favorites are the SteamFresh Vegetables from Birdseye and the Green Giant Steamers. You don’t even have to put these vegetables in a bowl!!! You literally put the bag in the microwave and press a button!
When I eat the slow cooker meals, I usually eat them with a healthy whole grain carbohydrate or carbohydrate substitute, I simply add the already-cooked healthy carbohydrate to the meal after the meal is finished cooking in the slow cooker. Some meals already have the starch in the recipe like the Mexican pasta for example, and for some you will add the carb or carb substitute to your meal after cooking. Again, I don’t want to do any extra cooking so I use “easy to prepare” type products like minute brown rice, whole wheat pasta, SteamFresh or Green Giant microwavable cauliflower rice, SteamFresh microwavable zucchini pasta, or Green Giant Spirals. Green Giant Steamers and Birdseye SteamFresh Vegetables seriously make eating healthy sooo easy. Again, you literally put the bag in the microwave. That is it! Then combine the cauliflower rice, zucchini pasta, or spirals with your already-cooked slow cooker meal and you have an amazing meal, and your kids are eating more vegetables.
The Infograph below explains how to make a healthy plate with your freezer meals including the suggested sides. Again, basically add one of the suggested whole grains/starch substitutes and a vegetable side and you have a nutrtious low calorie meal:
Freezer Meal Plating Steps
Sooo quick and easy!
And Here They Are: 15 Freezer Meal Recipes (Do you Want Breakfast and Lunch too? Check out the “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” ebook. Make all your breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes for the whole month in one day!)
* Updated on September 11, 2018
*Tip: Cook all the ground meat at once and chop all the vegetables at once. Then add all the ingredients to the bags and casserole dishes per each recipe directions.
This one is so versatile. It is a slow cooker, pressure cooker, saute and steamer all in one!
To find a list of all the cookware you will need to start your freezer meal routine click here.
1. Cheesy Cauliflower Tot
2. Chicken Cacciatore
3. Chicken Masala
4. Chicken Chili
5. Crockpot Mushroom Chicken
6. Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Potatoes
7. Asian Chicken
8. Chili Con Carne
9. Mexican Chili
10. Is it Really Healthy? Lasagna
11. Mexican Pasta
12. Crockpot Broccoli Tot Casserole
13. Sweat and Sour Meatballs 14. Italian Wedding Soup
15. Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
16. Meatball Minestrone Soup
Making Freezer Meals Ahead of Time is a Great Weight Loss Technique
Cauliflower Cheesy Tot
4 servings
Materials
1 gallon-sized freezer bag
Ingredients
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup of your favorite cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• Frozen Cauliflower of Broccoli tots
To Freeze 1. Label your freezer bag with the recipe name, cooking instructions, and the date
2. Add all ingredients to your freezer bag
3. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Cook
1. Add to crockpot.
2. Cook on “low” setting for 8 hours.
Serve with a Vegetable side (I prefer the quick microwavable SteamFresh vegetables)
Chicken Cacciatore
Servings 4
Materials
1 gallon-sized freezer bag
Ingredients
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts- Cut into bite-size pieces
• 24 oz jar of Pasta sauce
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
To Freeze
1. Label your freezer bag with the recipe name, cooking instructions, and the date
2. Add all ingredients to your freezer bag except chicken broth.
3. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to three months.
To Cook
1. The morning of cooking, pour contents into your crockpot.
2. Cook on “low” setting for 6-8
Serve with whole-wheat spaghetti and salad.
Chicken Masala
Servings 6
Materials
* 1 gallon-sized freezer bag
Ingredients
• 1 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup Onion
• 24 oz of Pasta sauce
• 1 Tbs Garlic Powder
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 oz light cream cheese
To Freeze
1. Label your freezer bag with the recipe name, cooking instructions, and the date.
2. Add all ingredients to your freezer bag
3. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to three months.
To Cook
1. Add contents of freezer bag to crockpot and cook on “low” setting for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked through
Serve over naan, brown rice, or steam fresh cauliflower rice with a vegetable side (I prefer the quick and easy microwavable SteamFresh vegetables)
4. Chicken Chili
Servings 6
Materials
1 gallon-sized freezer bag
Ingredients
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces• 1 medium yellow onion (one cup), chopped
• 8 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 8 oz cannellini beans (white kidney beans), drained and rinsed
• ½ cup chopped green peppers
• ½ cup chopped red peppers
• 4 oz cream cheese-light
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 12 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 packet chili powder
• 4 cups canned chicken broth (Not needed until the day you eat)
To Freeze
1.Label your freezer bag with the recipe name, cooking instructions, and the date.
2. Add all ingredients to your freezer bag
3. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to three months.
To Cook
1. Add contents of the freezer bag and 16 oz. of chicken broth to crockpot and cook on “low” setting for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked 2. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to three months.
Top with sour cream, light cheese, and tortilla chips
Slow Cooker Mushroom Chicken
Serves 4-6
Materials
1 gallon-sized freezer bag
Ingredients
• 1 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 Tablespoons honey
* 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
*1 Teaspoon Onion Powder Mix
• 8 oz cam mushroom
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cups chicken broth (*add to Crockpot when cooking)
To Freeze
1. Label your freezer bag with the recipe name, cooking instructions, and the date.
2. Add all ingredients except chicken broth to your freezer bag 3. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to three months.
ToCook
1. Add contents of freezer bag and chicken broth to the crockpot and cook on “low” setting for 6-8 hours or until chicken is fully cooked
Serve over Brown rice, SteamFresh cauliflower rice, whole-wheat pasta, or SteamFresg Zucchini pasta with a vegetable side (I prefer SteamFresh)
Cream Cheese and Onion Chicken Potatoes
Serves 4-6
Materials
* 1 gallon-sized freezer bag
Ingredients
• 1 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
• 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
• 4 oz. cream cheese
• 1 cup chopped Onion
• 1 Pound of Red Potatoes
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chicken broth (not needed until day of cooking)
To Freeze
1. Label your freezer bag with the recipe name, cooking instructions, and the date
2. Add all ingredients to your freezer bag except chicken broth.
3. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to three months.
To Cook
1. The morning of cooking, pour contents into your crockpot; add chicken broth.
2. Cook on “low” setting for 6-8
Serve over whole-wheat pasta or the SteamFresh Zucchini Pasta with a Vegetable Side.
Asian Chicken
Serves 4
Materials
1 gallon-sized freezer bag
Ingredients
• 1 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast- cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 4 Tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
To Freeze
1. Label your freezer bag with the recipe name, cooking instructions, and the date
2. Add all ingredients to your freezer bag
3. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Cook
1. Add to crockpot.
2. Cook on “low” setting for 8 hours or until chicken is fully cooked.
Serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice with a Vegetable side (I prefer the quick microwavable SteamFresh vegetables)
Chili Con Carne
Serves 6
Materials
1 gallon-sized freezer bag
Ingredients
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 small yellow onion, peeled and chopped (1 cup)
• 8 oz can mushrooms
• ½ cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 24 oz pasta sauce
• 4 large cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 package chili powder
To Freeze
1. Label your freezer bag with the recipe name, cooking instructions, and the date.
2. Add all ingredients to your freezer bag.
3. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to three months.
To Cook
Add contents of freezer bag to crockpot and cook on “low” setting for 6-10 hours or high for 4 hours. Cook until the chicken is done all the way through.
Serve with brown rice or SteamFresh Cauliflower rice; top with shredded cheese, sour cream.
Mexican Chili
Serves 4-6
Materials
1 gallon-sized freezer bag
Ingredients
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 small yellow onion, peeled and chopped (1 cup)
• 1 medium-sized green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 8 oz. can black beans
• 24 oz can pasta sauce
• 1 taco seasoning packet
To Freeze
1. Label your freezer bag with the recipe name, cooking instructions, and the date.
2. Add all ingredients to your freezer bag.
3. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to three months.
To Cook
Add contents of freezer bag to crockpot and cook on “low” setting for 6-10 hours or high for 4 hours.
Serve over brown rice or over a whole-wheat roll topped with provolone cheese Serve with a Vegetable side (I like the Microwavable SteamFresh Vegetables)
Top with shredded cheese and tortilla chips.
Is this Really Healthy? Lasagna
Serves 6Materials
• 9”x13” pans (Glass, aluminum, or disposable)
• Plastic wrap
• Aluminum foil
Ingredients
• 1 pound ground turkey- cooked
• 2 large eggs
• 15 oz of ricotta cheese
• 1 cups shredded parmesan cheese
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded and divided in half
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 24 oz jars of pasta sauce
• 2 cup Frozen spinach, chopped (about 3 cups)
• 9 oz box of “oven ready” lasagna noodles with no boiling required
To Freeze
1. In a large bowl, create cheese filling by combining eggs ,ricotta, parmesan, half of the mozzarella cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce at the bottom of each pan.
3. Next Layer: 3 Lasagna Noodles
4. Next layer: ½ the Cheese filling
5. Next Layer: 1 cup the Frozen spinach
6. Next Layer: Sprinkle with Cooked Ground Turkey
7. Next layer: Pasta sauce
8. Repeat each layer one more time
9. Add Mozzarella cheese on top. Make sure the noodles are covered entirely with sauce and cheese so they don‘t get crunchy when they bake 10. Cover each pan with layers of plastic wrap and foil
11. Label the tin foil with the recipe name, cooking instructions, and the date
12. Freeze for up to three months.
To Cook
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Remove plastic wrap and replace foil. Bake frozen lasagna 60 minutes or until center is hot. Remove foil and bake for additional 5-10 minutes or until cheese on top is melted
Ingredients
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• One 12 oz box of Whole-Wheat Pasta
• 8 oz jar of salsa
• 8 oz jar of taco sauce (2 cups)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, grated
To Freeze
1. Brown the ground beef and ground turkey
2. Add taco seasoning and cream cheese to the pan
3. Stir until cream cheese is melted.
4. Cook Pasta separately per directions on the package
5. Add meat mixture, salsa, cheddar, mozzarella, taco sauce, and pasta to the 9” X 13” pan; Blend all ingredients together
6. Cover each pan with layers of plastic wrap and foil,
7. Label the tin foil with the recipe name, cooking instructions, and the date.
8. Freeze for up to three months.
To Cook
Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic wrap and replace foil. Bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes.
12. Crockpot Broccoli Tot Casserole
Serves 4
Materials
• 1 gallon-sized freezer bag
Ingredients
• 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup of your favorite cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• Frozen Cauliflower of Broccoli tots
To Freeze
1. Label your freezer bag with the recipe name, cooking instructions, and the date
2. Add all ingredients to your freezer bag 8. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Cook
1. Add to crockpot.
2. Cook on “low” setting for 8 hours.
Serve with a Vegetable side (I prefer the quick microwavable SteamFresh vegetables)
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Serves 6
Materials
*1 gallon-sized freezer bag
Parchment Paper
To Cook the Meatballs (skip this part if you are using frozen meatballs)
Ingredients for Homemade Meatballs
• 1 pounds lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 package onion soup mix
• 4 oz. Frozen Spinach
• ½ cup Uncooked Old Fashioned oats
• 1 tsp. Montreal seasoning
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Cooking spray
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a medium-mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except tomato sauce. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
3. Mold your meat into balls using either your hands or a meat baller.
4. Bake on 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until internal meatball temperature registers 160 degrees.
Ingredients for the Rest of the Recipe
• 1 pounds of frozen turkey meatballs or fully cooked homemade meatballs • 1 onion, cut into slices
• 1 green pepper, cut into slices
• 1 red pepper, cut into slices
• 1 yellow pepper, cut into slices
• 2.5 cups of spicy BBQ sauce
To Freeze
1. Label your freezer bag with the recipe name, cooking instructions, and the date
2. Add all ingredients to your freezer bag
3. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Cook
1.Add to crockpot.
2.Cook on “low” setting for 8 hours.
Serve over brown rice or Cauliflower rice with a vegetable side
Easy Cheesy Italian Meatballs
Serves 6
Materials
*1 gallon-sized freezer bag
Parchment Paper
To Cook the Meatballs (skip this part if you are using frozen meatballs)
Ingredients for Homemade Meatballs
• 1 pounds lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 package onion soup mix
• 4 oz. Frozen Spinach
• ½ cup Uncooked Old Fashioned oats
• 1 tsp. Montreal seasoning
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Cooking spray
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a medium-mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except tomato sauce. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
3. Mold your meat into balls using either your hands or a meat baller.
4. Bake on 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until internal meatball temperature registers 160 degrees.
Ingredients for the Rest of the Recipe
• 1 pound frozen turkey meatballs or fully cooked homemade meatballs
• 1 small onion, diced (one cup)
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups frozen spinach
• 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning
• 4 cups chicken broth *not needed until day of cooking
• 1 cup uncooked whole-wheat pasta or SteamFresh Zucchini pasta *not needed until day of cooking.
To Freeze
1. Label your freezer bag with the recipe name, cooking instructions, and the date
2. To your freezer bag, add all ingredients except pasta and broth.
3. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Cook
1. Add to crockpot with chicken broth.
2. Cook on “low” setting for 8 hours.
3. Cook Pasta per package direction and add to the crockpot when the sauce is finished cooking.
Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
Serves 6
Materials
*1 gallon-sized freezer bag
Parchment Paper
To Cook the Meatballs (skip this part if you are using frozen meatballs)
Ingredients for Homemade Meatballs
• 1 pounds lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 package onion soup mix
• 4 oz. Frozen Spinach
• ½ cup Uncooked Old Fashioned oats
• 1 tsp. Montreal seasoning
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Cooking spray
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a medium-mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except tomato sauce. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
3. Mold your meat into balls using either your hands or a meat baller.
4. Bake on 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until internal meatball temperature registers 160 degrees.
Ingredients for the Rest of the Recipe
• 1 pound frozen turkey meatballs or fully cooked homemade meatballs
• 24 oz jar of pasta sauce
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 cups Frozen green beans, ends cut off and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large zucchini, ends cut off and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small yellow onion, diced (1 cup)
• 4 cups chicken broth *not needed until day of cooking
To Freeze
1. Label your freezer bag with the recipe name, cooking instructions, and the date.
2. Add all ingredients except broth to your freezer bag.
3. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to three months.
To Cook
1. Add ingredients to the crockpot with chicken broth.
2. Cook on “low” setting for 8 hours.
3. Cook Pasta per package direction and add to the crockpot when the sauce is finished cooking.
Serve over whole-wheat pasta or Steamfresh Zucchini pasta Serve with a Vegetable side
16. * BONUS* Meatball Minestrone Soup
Serves 6-8
Materials
*1 gallon-sized freezer bag
Parchment Paper
To Cook the Meatballs (skip this part if you are using frozen meatballs)
Ingredients for Homemade Meatballs
• 1 pounds lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 package onion soup mix
• 4 oz. Frozen Spinach
• ½ cup Uncooked Old Fashioned oats
• 1 tsp. Montreal seasoning
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Cooking spray
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a medium-mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except tomato sauce. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
3. Mold your meat into balls using either your hands or a meat baller.
4. Bake on 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until internal meatball temperature registers 160 degrees.
Ingredients for the Rest of the Recipe
• 1 pound frozen turkey meatballs or fully cooked homemade meatballs
• 1 cup pound of carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1.5 cups of frozen green beans, ends cut off and chopped
• 1 cup Frozen Chopped Spinach
• 1 small onion, peeled and chopped (1 cup)
• 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 8 oz can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 8 oz can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasonings
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth *not needed until day of cooking
• 1 cup uncooked whole wheat pasta *not needed until day of cooking
To Freeze
1. Label your freezer bag with the recipe name, cooking instructions, and the date
2. Add all ingredients except pasta and broth to your freezer bag. 3. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Cook
1. Add to crockpot with chicken broth.
2. Cook on “low” setting for 8 hours.
3. Cook Whole-wheat pasta or SteamFresh Zucchini pasta per package directions.
4. Add pasta to the crockpot when the meatballs have finished cooking
Grocery List for all 16 Crockpot Freezer Meals
DRY GOODS (You can easily purchase all of these online if you prefer)
CANNED
• 16 oz Black Beans, canned (Recipe 4,9)
• 16 oz Cannellini Beans, canned (Recipe 4,16)
• 16 oz Kidney Beans, canned (Recipe 8,16)
• 16 oz Cream of Chicken (Recipe 1, 12)
• 15 Cups Chicken Broth (Recipe 4,5,6,14, 15, 16)
• 16 oz Canned mushrooms (Recipe 5,8)
SEASONINGS
• Black Pepper to taste
• Sea Salt to taste
• 2 Packet (4 tsp dry mix) Chili Powder (Recipe 4,8)
• 2 Packet (4 tsp dry mix) taco Seasoning (Recipe 9,11)
• 1 Tablespon Montreal Steak Seasoning (Recipe 14) or about 2.5 tbs total if you are making homemade meatloaf
*2 Tbs. Italian Seasoning (Recipe 16)
MISC
• 2.5 cups BBQ Sauce (Recipes 13)-Annie’s Organic or TJ’s Bold and Smoky Kansas City are healthier BBQ sauces
• 2 Tbs. Worcestershire Source (recipes 14) or 3.5 total if you are making homemade meatballs
• 8 Tablespoons (1/2 cup) Honey (Recipe 3,5,7)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (Recipe 7)
• 1/3 cup Ketchup (Recipe 7)
• 144 oz Pasta Sauce (Recipes 2,3,8,9,10,15)
• 4 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Recipe 5,7)
• 15 cups Chicken Broth (Recipe 4,5,6,8,14,15,16)
• 9 oz “Oven Ready” Lasagna Noodles (Recipe 10)
• 24 oz Whole Wheat Pasta (Recipe 11, 14)
• 8 oz jar salsa (Recipe 11)
• 8 oz jar Taco sauce (Recipe 11)
• 2, 9” x13” aluminum pans (Recipe 10,11)
• Cooking Spray (Recipe 10)
• 13 Gallon-size freezer bags
• 3 tablespoon cornstarch (Recipe 6)
* 1 Teaspoon Onion Soup Mix (Recipe 5) or 3 packets total if making homemade meatballs
*2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar (Recipe 5)
*4 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Recipe 5,7)
* 2 Cups Old Fashioned Oats (Only if you are making homemade meatballs)
PERISHABLES (Purchase these in a grocery store either a day or two before your cooking day or on your cooking day)
MEAT
• 7 Pounds Skinless Boneless Chicken Breast- Cut into Bite-size pieces (Recipes 2,3,4,5,6,7,12)
• 6 Pound Ground Turkey (Cook) (Recipe 1,8,9,10,11,12) or 10 pounds if making homemade meatballs
• 3 pounds of ground turkey to make meatballs OR 3 Pounds frozen Turkey Meatballs (Recipe 13,14,15
PRODUCE
• 9 chopped small onions (Recipe 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,13, 14, 15)-To Save time, you can by pre-chopped onion if you prefer
• 10 Cloves Garlic (Recipe 3,4,5,7,8,14)- To save time, you can buy garlic powder if you prefer
• 4 Green Pepper (Recipe 2,4,9,13)- or to save time, you can use the containers of sliced mixed peppers for all of the pepper recipes (The mixed peppers work fine in all pepper recipes even if the recipe calls for just one type of pepper)
• 2 Red Pepper (Recipe 4,13)
* 1 Yellow Pepper (Recipe 13)
• 2 large zucchini Sliced (Recipe 2, 15)
• 3 cup carrots, sliced (Recipe 13,14,15)
• 1 pound red potatoes (Recipe 6)
COLD FOOD
• 20 oz. light Cream Cheese (Recipes 3,4,6,11)
• 2 eggs (Recipe 10) or 12 total if you are making homemade meatballs
• 15 oz. light Ricotta Cheese (Recipe 10)
• 1 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese (Recipe 10)
• 8 oz. light Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded (Recipe 10)
• 12 oz. (3 cups) light shredded Cheddar cheese (Recipe 1,11,12)
FROZEN
• 2 cup Frozen Corn (Recipe 4, 9)
• 5 cup Frozen Spinach (Recipe 10,14,16) or 6.5 cups total if you are making homemade meatballs
• 2.5 cup Frozen Green Beans (Recipe 15,16)
• 2- 16 oz Bags Green Giant Cauliflower or Broccoli Tots (Recipe 1, 12)
* Serve all with a vegetable side (I prefer quick and easy like the microwavable Frozen Birdseye SteamFresh Vegetables)
See Specific side recommendations below:
Cauliflower Cheesy Tot- No added starch needed
Chicken Masala- Serve over one of the following: Naan bread, Brown rice, or Birdseye SteamFresh Cauliflower rice
Chili Con Carne- Serve over one of the following: Brown rice or Birdseye SteamFresh Cauliflower rice
Chicken Chili-Top with Sour Cream and Tortilla Chips
Chicken Cacciatore– Serve mixed with one of the following: Whole-wheat Pasta or Birdseye SteamFresh Zucchini Pasta pr Green Giant Spirals
Mexican Chili- Serve with Sour Cream and Tortillan Chips
Cheesy Turkey Italian Meatballs- Serve as a sandwich in a whole-wheat roll or with whole wheat pasta or Birdseye SteamFresh Zucchini Pasta or Green Giant Spirals
Spinach Lasagna– No added starch needed
Crockpot Broccoli Tot– No added starch needed
Slow Cooker Mushroom Chicken- Serve mixed with Brown rice, or Birdseye SteamFresh Cauliflower rice
Cream Cheese and Onion Chicken Potatoes- No added strch needed, you could serve over brown rice or Birdseye SteamFresh Cauliflower rice
Asian Chicken-Serve mixed with Brown rice, or Birdseye SteamFresh Cauliflower rice
Mexican Pasta- No Added Starch needed
Sweet and Sour Meatballs-Serve mixed with Brown rice, or Birdseye SteamFresh Cauliflower rice
Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup-Serve mixed with one of the following: Whole-wheat Pasta or Birdseye SteamFresh Zucchini Pasta or Green Giant Spirals
And there you have it! 15 freezer meals ready to go!
When God Knocks on the Door of My Heart…During Book Club
This article has been updated and is an adapation of a segment in 18 Weeks to a Healthier, Happier, More Purposeful Life. This unique book was written by Lacy Ngo, a dietitian nationally recognized as a top expert in faith-based mindfulness and evidence-based nutrition. She shares the exact steps that, based on science, produce the most dramatic health and weight loss success in her book, 18 Weeks to a Healthier, Happier, More Purposeful Life. This book is like nothing you have ever seen before. It combines faith and science. Both are crucial when it comes to producing real change because real change involves the mind, body, and spirit.
God Knocks, God Whispers
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelations 3:20
“Heeeey,” I heard someone call as they walked into the kitchen. Another one of my dear friends had arrived for our monthly health and mindfulness book club social.
We were all gathered in the kitchen and just catching up on all of our summer happenings. I was telling everyone about my son’s latest ninja warriors camp adventures, when the door bell rang.
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Who Could That Be?
‘Hmm, must be someone new to book club because this crowd usually doesn’t bother with door bells… or knocking for that matter,’ I thought to myself as I walked to the door.
Standing on the front porch was a nice looking young man. He had a bag full all different types of books slung over his shoulder and two books in his hand.
“Hey,” I said in a curious tone. After his friendly reply, he went into his reason for the visit.
His explanation went something like this, “I am selling these books to raise money for my college tuition. We are asking for a $20 donation or more…or less…or whatever you want to give for the books.”
As he spoke, he moved his arms forward to show the two books in his hands.
I looked down at the books as he presented them. There in his hands were a healthy foods book written by a RD (Registered Dietitian) and a Christian mindful peace book.
I looked down at the books and looked back up at him, “I think God wants me to buy these books.” I bluntly blurted out.
I went on to explain…(Pay very close attention here, because this is the important part)
“You see, this isn’t just any book club social going on right now, this is a mindfulness and health book club social. And I am a RD (Registered Dietitian) who writes a blog about health, faith, and mindfulness…AND the two books in your hand are a book about health foods written by a registered dietitian and a faith-based mindful peace book!”
We talked a little more about where he goes to school and about the other books in his bag. I was intrigued by another completely different book and asked him about it. Although I wanted that book as well, I decided to stick with the first two. I paid him, and he left.
“I’m probably going to write a blog about this,” I told him as he was leaving.
When I came back into the house, I told my friends about the awesome encounter. I showed them my books and told them about the one book I had wanted but didn’t buy. We were all excited about the events that had just unfolded; so filled with joy, we began the book club social.
***
Two Hours Later…
“Bye, thanks for coming,” I called out to all of my friends as they left my house.
“I can’t wait for the next one,” someone called out as they were shutting the front door.
‘Aww, that was so much fun,’ I thought as I picked up the plates and leftover appetizers.
I was putting the plates in the sink when one of my friends comes back into the house.
“Lacy, you know that other book you had wanted?”
“Yes?” I replied.
“The guy selling the books left it on your front porch!” she exclaimed.
“What?!?! How a amazing is that!” I felt like he had left that book as a way of saying that he had felt the significance of what had just transpired as well. I was truly amazed!
Thank God for Those Unexplainable Moments
This young man’s kindness touched my heart. I went to bed so thankful for God and for those unexplainable little God moments in our lives. The next morning I awoke overcome with emotion. I thanked God for the events of last night. On my knees, I cried and prayed. I prayed for the young man, his school, and my book club friends.
I hope I never forget the conversation the three of us had on that front porch. This young man and I talked, but God’s quiet whisper was the loudest and most beautiful voice of all.
“After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” 1 Kings 19:12
Update
Soon after purchasing these books, I began reading the one written by the dietitian first. I was even more convinced that I was meant to read this book. You see, I am a registered dietitian, and I felt lead to combine my nutrition knowledge with my faith on this blog, Mindfulness in Faith and Food. At the time of purchasing this book, I was in the process of writing a faith-based nutrition book, and I was nervous about how it would go. Was I doing the right thing? Opening my door and seeing this young man holding a book written by a dietitian was the encouragement I needed. And when I started reading the book, I was even more encouraged. On the first page (her acknowledgement page) she wrote about following her passion as God leads and about looking to God for guidance in every situation. Later in the book she discussed the positve impact faith has on our health. When I bought this book, I knew I was buying a book by a registered dietitian, but I didn’t know that she talked about her faith in the book as well! Doesn’t that make this story even more amazing!
Please Share Your Thoughts
If you found this “God Whispers” story helpful, I would love to hear about it! I also love hearing other’s God moment stories. Do you have any stories about when God whispers in your life? Please share your ‘God Whispers’ stories with me. You may comment below or send me an email.
Related Post
If you enjoyed this “God Whispers” story, you may also enjoy my other “God Moment” stories.
Kitchenware You Need Before You Start Your Monthly Freezer Meals
If you have read my post, ” How to Make 15 Freezer Meals in Under 3 Hours,” or been to my house, then you know making freezer meals ahead of time is a technique my family uses to stay organized, eat healthy, save money, and relieve dinnertime stress. Cooking freezer meals ahead of time can also help with weight loss and weight maintenance. Making sure your kitchen is stocked with essential freezer meal products and cookware is the first step.
These make ahead freezer meals have been life changing for me, and I love sharing how I do these freezer meals with you. I also wanted to share some of the freezer meal cookware and products I love to use. Some of them are freezer meal must-have products and some of them just make cooking freezer meals more efficient or fun. I included some of my favorite products that make dinner time easier and fun as well. * Note that I marked essential by the cookware/products that I feel are truly must-haves. The other products will make cooking freezer meals easier or more fun, but are not essential to start.
Must Have Products You Need for Making Freezer Meals
This site contains affiliate links (See full disclosure here.)
So Here is My Favorite Freezer Meal Must-Have Products
When you are cooking multiple meals at once, then you may not want to slice ALL those vegetables by hand. This Spiralizer does it for you. I also love to sometimes serve my freezer melas with noodles made out of vegetables. The Spiralizer makes the vegetable pasta for you as well!
If you love to cook then you may want to invest in a really nice knife or two. I like having one really nice knife for cutting meat and one really nice knife for cutting vegetables. Cutco has some of the best knives around.
I also love Kitchen Aids Ceramic Knives set because with these you get no rusting, or odor and taste transfers from food to food. These are also dishwasher safe.
When you cook your freezer meals in bulk, you need a large pot. I use my pot to cook my ground turkey or lean ground beef all at once. This makes cooking a month’s worth of freezer meals all at once super fast.
When you cook freezer meals for the month all in one day, make sure you have all the freezer bags and aluminum casserole dishes you need to all your dishes. I like the freezer bags with sliders so that you know they are sealed.
My freezer meals make A Lot so I usually have leftovers. Pre-portioned containers helps me portion control my leftovers for a healthy lunch the next day.
If you are planning on making and freezing meatballs for some of your freezer meals, then a meatballer will help you save so much time. I use healthy turkey meatballs in many of my freezer recipes.
12. Muffin Tins *Must Have if you are planning on Freezing muffins, omelet muffins, or mini pizzas*
I often make mini healthy pizza or omelet muffins and freeze them for later. I like to freeze several at once so I use a large 24-cup muffin tin. You can also use a 12-cup muffin tin or even have fun with novelty muffin tins. My kids love it when I make food using our heart-shaped muffin tin.
My kids eat these famiy freezer meals as well. They loved them AFTER they decided to try them. My kids don’t like trying anything new, but these Kids’ Dinner Trays turns eating into a fun game!
Once you have all the cookware and supplies that you need you are ready to cook! Learn how to cook ALL of your Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for a whole month in ONE day with the “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” ebook.
The “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” ebook not only includes a detailed healthy freezer meal plan and weight loss guide, but this ebook also inlcudes mindful eating strategies and techniques.
The “What is Preventing You From Living a Healthier Life?” interactive quiz
The Mindful Eating Guide
The importance of Faith
A Complete Healthy Freezer Meal Plan: You will learn how to cook all of your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for a whole month in ONE day. Don’t worry, I don’t just give you a bunch of recipes and tell you to cook them in one day. The ebook includes strategies and “Pro Tips” on HOW to efficiently cook your meals in one day.
The goals of cooking all of your meals in ONE Day are:
More daily free time,
A decreased grocery bill,
Healthier meals for the whole family,
Less daily stress, and
Weight Loss/Weight Maintenance
Learn more about the “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” eBook here.
“I have lost 17 pounds since I started eating these freezer meals. They are healthy AND taste great!!! We are now eating at home more, which has made a huge difference!” Chad, South Carolina
“As I read this book, I kept thinking, ‘this is so much more than a freezer meal cookbook! Lacy needs to be a life coach! She has such a positive outlook on life!’ “The Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” ebook is so uplifing and encouraging!” Wendy, South Carolina
“I can actually see a decrease in my grocery bill since I started eating these freezer meals, and my kids love them! We are eating healthier now. Plus, we are eating more meals together as a family!” Nicole, South Carolina
Click here to learn more about the “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” ebook
Want a Little More?
Click Here to Get a Free 7-Day Mindful Planner Printable and Join the Mindfulness in Faith and Food Family!
In a perfect world, we would have all the time in the world to make ALL our own meals and snacks, but sometimes we need to grab a quick already ready healthy packaged snacks. Picking the best snacks can feel overwhelming so I decided to list of some of my favorite healthy packaged snacks.
Healthy Packaged Snack Ideas
I selected these snacks based on the below criteria:
Minimal Refined Grains
Minimal Added Sugar
Simple Ingredients List
Whole Grains listed as the first ingredients in a carbohydrate snack
How Do You Determine if Something is Truly a Whole Grain
Remember to look for whole grain or whole wheat not just multi-grain on the package when you are looking for a healthy packaged snack. Multi-grain does not mean the same thing as whole grain. (All though sometimes it is.) The take home message is make sure whole grain is one of the first ingredients listed on the back label.
Sometimes the food item may advertise that they contain whole grains on the front of the package, but when you read the label you find enriched grains listed as the first ingredient. Enriched grains are better than refined grains because enriched means that healthy nutrients that were removed during processing were added back into the product. Still whole grains are better than enriched. Take Whole Wheat Goldfish as an example… When you read the back label, you find enriched grains listed as the first ingredient. These Whole Wheat goldfish are still healthier than the regular Goldfish, but they are not as healthy as a whole grain snack like popcorn for example.
This site contains affiliate links (See full disclosure here.)
My Favorite Healthy Convienent or Packaged Snacks
*You can order many of these on Amazon by clicking on the link.
Fresh Fruit or Raw Vegetables: Nothing is more convenient that grabbing a piece of fruit or a handful of Veggies!
Skinny Dipped Almonds are dipped in delicious dark chocolate. Flavors include Dark Chocolate Cocoa, Dark Chocolate Raspberry, and Dark Chocolate Espresso. These are a delicous source of nutrition like fiber and protein.
21. No Bake Energy Bites
Okay this isn’t a packaged food per say but you can use packaged ingredients to make these super easy and convenient snacks. The base ingredients are peanut butter and plain old oats. Just mix them together and add any other of your favorite ingredients like nuts, raisons, dark chocolate chips or blueberries. You can also add some super healthy ingredients like flaxseeds or chia seeds, and you can switch out the peanut butter for other spreads like almond butter. Finally simply form them into a bite-size ball, and you are finished!
Boil them at the beginning of the week, and you will have a quick snack you can easily grab throughout the week.
25. Homemade Veggie Chips.
Okay so this is not actually a packaged convience food, but veggie chips ARE a great alternative to packaged chips. To make, thinly slice veggies of your choice. Carrots, zucchini and even kale make great veggie chips. I like to use the Kitchen Aid Standing Mixer Fresh Prep Slicer/Shredder Attachment to make thinly sliced veggies. I love how the Kitchen Aid Standing Mixer has so many attachments. Attachments include things like spiralizers, slicers, vegetable sheet cutter (think Lasagna) and so much more.
After you thinly slice your vegetables, preheat your oven. Wash and dry your veggie slices. Place your slices between two paper towels to let them dry out. Spread the slices onto parchment paper baking sheets. Lightly spray with cooking spray or lightly brush them with olive oil.
For Zucchini and carrots, bake at 450 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes.
For Kale, bake at 300 degrees for only 18 to 20 minutes.
(Check on them regularly when they are close to done. It is better to undercook them than over cook them)
WithNatureBox, you can order a box as you want one. You can filter your box search so that you can select the snacks with the nutrition requirements that you prefer. For example, I can filter the snack search by selecting “Good source of fiber and “no sugar added.” Snacks that meet those requirements will come up in the list of choices.
Final Notes
So whether you are looking for something sweet or savory, I hope you found some healthier snacks from this lists that you can grab in a rush. Which healthy packaged snacks have your tried and which healthy packaged snacks are your favorites?
Buy These Products with Ibotta to Save Money
Okay one more final note. I like to buy most of these snacks on Amazon using the free Ibotta app. If you want to learn more about how I used ibotta and other techniques to cut my grocery bill from $300 to $80, click here.
Grab-and-Go Snacks AND Grab-and-Throw Meals
These grab-and-go snack ideas are perfect for families who desperately want to eat healthy nutritious foods, but simply have no time to prepare healthy foods. If this is your family (it’s totally mine), you may not only want grab-and-go snacks, but also “grab-and-throw ” meals. The “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” ebook shows you how to make a month of healthy freezer meals in ONE day. Simply grab-and-throw an already-made frozen breakfast or lunch in the micorwave and your meal is ready. Or grab-and-throw a frozen meal in the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner time, your family meal is done!
or the 
.
