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Dietitian_Kel2101 karma

Don't worry I got you. Get the nicest looking glasses you have, alternate layers of pop tarts, homemade creme fraiche, and fresh berries. Then, to really set the mood, dim the lights, light a few candles and you're golden.

Dietitian_Kel1453 karma

That's a great question!

Generally speaking, fresh produce is usually picked before they fully ripen. Whereas frozen produce is usually picked and frozen at its peak. What this means is that fresh produce generally has less time to develop vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to frozen.

Now, for vegetables, they're usually blanched before being frozen which does result in some losses of nutrients (especially vitamin C). But, as you mentioned, fresh produce does start to lose it's nutrients over time.

Still, most studies have not shown a clinically significant difference in nutrient levels between the two. Of course, this will depend on how fresh your "fresh" produce really is that you're buying. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25525668/

At the end of the day, it's just important that you're getting in fruits and vegetables. So I recommend that people choose whichever works best for their budget and lifestyle.

Dietitian_Kel1185 karma

I'd start with going through your spice cabinet to see if you have any pre-mixed seasoning blends or spices that go well together to help add some flavor variety to your dishes.

Next, while frozen vegetables are a great option, personally I've noticed they can be hard to find and depending on where you live may or may not be a budget-friendly option. If you have inexpensive frozen vegetables, then buy a few bags of those. Otherwise, I'd check out fresh produce. Foods like broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and cabbage are all usually inexpensive yet packed with nutrition. Asparagus is also in season so should be less expensive right now.

In fact, I'd try switching up rice with regular potatoes or sweet potatoes for a wider variety of nutrients.

Same with fruits, fresh fruit is likely going to be cheaper than frozen and is super easy to freeze on your own if needed.

For proteins, if you're tired of always having beans and lentils, eggs are another one that pack a ton of nutrition into a small package.

And don't forget about seeds. If your store has a bulk-bin section, look for nuts or seeds that are on sale, or inexpensive. Adding just a tablespoon or two to meals or snacks can help boost calories and minerals, without needing a big volume of food.

I hope these help! Let me know if you have any other questions or more specific recipe ideas!

Dietitian_Kel328 karma

I think it depends on what you're using it for. If you just want some ideas, then they can be helpful to get you started. But as others have already mentioned, it's not going to take into account your personal preferences, dietary needs, lifestyle, etc.
EDIT: I'd also add that those apps are only as good as the recipes in them too. So while they can give you some great ideas, I still think it's good to have other blogs/sites/people to bounce recipe ideas off of.

Dietitian_Kel314 karma

It depends on how much milk you're drinking a day. Calorie-wise, 2% milk has about 30 less calories. So, if all you're doing is adding a little bit to your coffee or cereal in the morning, likely no. But if you're drinking a few glasses a day, then it can add up.

However, I'd also mention that whole milk may keep you feeling full for longer. If I were you, I'd use an app (I personally use LoseIt) and see if you notice a difference in overall intake or weight after 1 month of switching.