United Supermarkets' Corporate Dietician Brenda Garcia calls frozen veggies and fruits her favorite "fast foods" because they require less prep work than their fresh counterparts and are flash frozen right after they are picked, so they retain their nutritional value.

She visited our studio recently talking as part of National Nutrition Month and National Frozen Foods Month. Frozen foods can get a bad rap as being too processed but many are a good choice so long as they don't have extra sauces or added sugar, Garcia said.

"I don't have to sit there and chop the cauliflower or the broccoli," she said, about their frozen varieties. "You know the mess broccoli makes on your cutting board."

Take frozen broccoli, for example. She can cut them with a bit of olive oil and garlic salt and roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes for a quick side.

Plus, frozen fruits and veggies give you the flexibility of using small portions and freezing the rest of the package without the worry of spoilage you have with fresh fruits and veggies — a great option for single people, couples, and smaller families.

As you're shopping in the frozen food section, keep an eye out for United Supermarkets health tags. Products throughout the store are tagged as great options for a variety of categories, such as those searching for organic, dairy-free, vegan, carb aware, and more. You can find more great health tips and recipes from Garcia and her team online at the Happy + Nourished website.

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