FROZEN FOOD “BETTER FOR WALLET AND HEALTH”…

Adopting a diet that consists of frozen food can be better for people’s wallets and their health, it has been stated.

Karen Bird, a registered dietician at Geisinger Medical Centre, says that as frozen produce is on the plant or tree longer than its fresh variety, it can be of a higher nutritional value and therefore, healthier than fresh.

“An added bonus is the fact that frozen vegetables and fruits are much more cost-effective, their prices are lower and they have a longer shelf life,” she adds.

Ms Bird suggests that one advantage of eating frozen foods is that they are ready at a moment’s notice and nowadays there is a wide choice of produce to select from.

The dietician advises that due to the current negative economic climate, many people are resorting to fast food or unhealthy selections in a bid to cut down on their spending.

Healthy choices such as frozen food can be an inexpensive way to stay in good shape during the credit crunch, she states.

Ms Bird goes on to add that pasta and rice, which are available as frozen ready meals, can prove to be staples that offer diversity in the kitchen.

“These are the foods that are on the base of the food pyramid, which means the bulk of your diet should be comprised of these grains, which are inherently less costly,” she says.

Eating out is a no-no in the current economic climate, she advises, as a restaurant meal costs much more than a pre-prepared lunch or dinner.

Consumer reports recently discovered that there has been a marked improvement in the quality and taste of frozen ready meals since they were last tested in 2004.

Wiltshire Farm Foods offer the perfect way for you or a relative to eat well, without having to worry about long trips to the supermarket, preparing food or managing boiling pots and pans. Their meals not only look and taste great, but they’re good for you too! And what’s more they deliver FOR FREE in the UK! Here’s just a selection from their current menu…

BEEF & STOUT PIE £2.90:

	Enjoy very smooth stout and beef – such a brilliant combination! This extremely hearty pie, ideal to warm you up during the cold snap, comes with saute potatoes, broccoli, peas, carrots and sweetcorn. Customer review: “My favourite meal by far! Beef pieces are tender with a generous portion of saute potatoes.” Mrs Grice-Bailey “Tasty and filling. Lovely, crumbly pastry.” Ms Sutcliffe
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CREAMY CHICKEN & ASPARAGUS £2.90:

	Tender asparagus served in a white wine and cream sauce work beautifully together in this tasty dish. Accompanied by brown rice, peppers, beans, sweetcorn, carrots and peas. Customer review: “What a tasty dish – glad of the brown rice. Beautiful succulent chicken – vegetable which didnt loose flavour or colour and a very flavoursome asparagus sauce” Ms Clark
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FISHERMANS PIE £2.85:

	A heart-warming pie of smoked haddock and white fish. Topped with lashings of mashed potato and served with carrots and peas. Suitable for a diabetic, lower fat, reducing and moderate salt diet. Customer review: “Food dish.tasty.just right. 3.5 stars” Mrs Parkinson
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MINTED LAMB & DUMPLING £2.60:

	Finley minced minted lamb is served with mashed potato, savoy cabbage, diced parsnip and a delicious dumpling on top. Customer review: “As a disabled young woman struggling in the kitchen I decided I needed to have food that was easy to prepare, this was one of the first meals I tried and it was very tasty, especially the dumpling!” Ms Chatterjee
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