Guest guest Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 Does anyone here do once a month cooking? I've been pondering it for a while - for any other reason than to leave dd with hubby and spend only a few hours a month grocery shopping (sans hubby and dd). Hubby, the ever constant critic, is against the idea because he thinks that freezing the food will reduce the nutritional value. I've searched the web and can find nothing to support his theory. I've always heard that fresh is better than frozen is better than canned. But in my quest for information I've found some unbiased sites (to the best of my knowledge) that say frozen doesn't deplete nutrients any more than cooking. And besides, I always thought the frozen debate was about commercial freezing. Any input would be appreciated. Phyllis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2007 Report Share Posted April 3, 2007 I've not done it in a while, but I've heard/read (a long time ago, so no sources...) but freezing is supposed to be better - since it's frozen shortly after it's picked. Usually freezing is a good way to preserver without loss of nutrients because it slows the enzymatic processes down so that things are fresher longer (I think that was from Alton Brown - I still love to watch most of his shows - even though we're vegan now...some are easy to adapt, some are not and some I can't even watch at all - meat shows). Anyway - i've done OAMC, and I hope that I can get into it (I've done it on a smaller scale and did 2 weeks at a time with a friend of mine, but that was before we jumped to vegan, so we can't do it together anymore, as they're omni, and 2 of her family are very VERY picky eaters). I've found a lot of vegetarian plans (google OAMC vegetarian plan, and you should come up with a ton of things). It is a great time saver, but I'm down to planning 2 weeks worth of things, but I don't cook like I ought to for it. I wish I had someone to do it with, as that was much more fun. I have been trying to get back into it, but it's very slow going. Missie On 4/2/07, Phyllis <none_ya wrote: > > Does anyone here do once a month cooking? I've been pondering it for a > while - for any other reason than to leave dd with hubby and spend only > a few hours a month grocery shopping (sans hubby and dd). > > Hubby, the ever constant critic, is against the idea because he thinks > that freezing the food will reduce the nutritional value. I've > searched the web and can find nothing to support his theory. I've > always heard that fresh is better than frozen is better than canned. > But in my quest for information I've found some unbiased sites (to the > best of my knowledge) that say frozen doesn't deplete nutrients any > more than cooking. And besides, I always thought the frozen debate was > about commercial freezing. > > Any input would be appreciated. > > Phyllis > > > -- I'm all out of bubblegum. -- http://mszzzi.evite.shutterfly.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2007 Report Share Posted April 3, 2007 well, you are probably aware that cooking depletes nutrients a LOT. but, my understanding is that nutrients are lost over time in the freezer. so if you used it pretty quickly, like within a month, it would probaby be fine (or at least no worse than cooking). also, the way you go about cooking a food before freezing (if you cook it at all) will make a difference, just as it would if it were to be eaten on the spot. so avoid boiling if possible and steam only lightly. hth, chandelle' On 4/1/07, Phyllis <none_ya wrote: > > Does anyone here do once a month cooking? I've been pondering it for a > while - for any other reason than to leave dd with hubby and spend only > a few hours a month grocery shopping (sans hubby and dd). > > Hubby, the ever constant critic, is against the idea because he thinks > that freezing the food will reduce the nutritional value. I've > searched the web and can find nothing to support his theory. I've > always heard that fresh is better than frozen is better than canned. > But in my quest for information I've found some unbiased sites (to the > best of my knowledge) that say frozen doesn't deplete nutrients any > more than cooking. And besides, I always thought the frozen debate was > about commercial freezing. > > Any input would be appreciated. > > Phyllis > > > > For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG website at > http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful for families go to > http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion list and is not intended to > provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a > qualified health professional. > > edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health > professional. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2007 Report Share Posted April 3, 2007 Could you try a hybrid approach? Many years ago, I used to spend a day or two a month cooking and freezing in small batches, and then for dinner every night I would use one frozen main course (chili, spaghetti sauce, casseroles, stews, etc.) and add to the meal some fresh cooked veggies and a freshly made salad along with whatever grain/carb was needed. Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2007 Report Share Posted April 3, 2007 I am also interested in this cooking option but am unsure of a great site for veg meal plans etc. though I see I can alter reg recipes, does anyone know of a site that would give a newbie a good start? , " Phyllis " <none_ya wrote: > > Does anyone here do once a month cooking? I've been pondering it for a > while - for any other reason than to leave dd with hubby and spend only > a few hours a month grocery shopping (sans hubby and dd). > > Hubby, the ever constant critic, is against the idea because he thinks > that freezing the food will reduce the nutritional value. I've > searched the web and can find nothing to support his theory. I've > always heard that fresh is better than frozen is better than canned. > But in my quest for information I've found some unbiased sites (to the > best of my knowledge) that say frozen doesn't deplete nutrients any > more than cooking. And besides, I always thought the frozen debate was > about commercial freezing. > > Any input would be appreciated. > > Phyllis > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2007 Report Share Posted April 4, 2007 I've been dabbling in once a month cooking quite a bit recently, mostly with good results. You can check out my blog. I believe this link will take you to all my posts that involve bulk cooking, which is what I've been calling it. Its definitely a time saver during hectic weeks. Hope that helps. Katie http://frugalveggiemama.blogspot.com 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time with the Search movie showtime shortcut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2007 Report Share Posted April 6, 2007 Actually, that was the plan. With a 3 year old underfoot, I'm often just too tired to make a main course AND a side. So if I just had to heat or finish cooking a prepared meal, then adding a side of salad or fresh veggies wouldn't be so labor intensive. Plus I could add back the fresh fruit for dessert that I used to do before dd was born. Both of which (salad/side and fruit) hubby has complained about not having. , ERB <bakwin wrote: > > Could you try a hybrid approach? Many years ago, I > used to spend a day or two a month cooking and > freezing in small batches, and then for dinner every > night I would use one frozen main course (chili, > spaghetti sauce, casseroles, stews, etc.) and add to > the meal some fresh cooked veggies and a freshly made > salad along with whatever grain/carb was needed. > > Liz > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2007 Report Share Posted April 6, 2007 Phyllis wrote: <<Both of which (salad/side and fruit) hubby has complained about not having.>> LOL!! How strange, that your husband is unable to cut up fruit or tear up lettuce leaves by himself. ;-) Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2007 Report Share Posted April 6, 2007 I had the same thought. I have found that, in our house, there is less waste with the precut salads due to the laziness factor. ERB <bakwin wrote: Phyllis wrote: <<Both of which (salad/side and fruit) hubby has complained about not having.>> LOL!! How strange, that your husband is unable to cut up fruit or tear up lettuce leaves by himself. ;-) Liz Looking for earth-friendly autos? Browse Top Cars by " Green Rating " at Autos' Green Center. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2007 Report Share Posted April 6, 2007 Cooking a bag or two of frozen veggies takes so little effort and time, but has adds so much healthiness and heartiness to a meal. It is a more satisfying meal than just an entree by itself. I've cooked all thru all ages of my children. If they don't get a wide variety of good healthy food when they are young, they don't seem turn out so picky in their eating..... Plus you get loads more vitamins, nutrients and fiber. I often make soups, that make great one dish healthy meals. It is a favorite here. Add a salad or some fruit and some cornbread muffins/garlic bread/ crackers and it is even nicer. Judy - Phyllis Friday, April 06, 2007 10:34 AM [sPAM] Re: Once a Month Cooking (OAMC)? Actually, that was the plan. With a 3 year old underfoot, I'm often just too tired to make a main course AND a side. So if I just had to heat or finish cooking a prepared meal, then adding a side of salad or fresh veggies wouldn't be so labor intensive. Plus I could add back the fresh fruit for dessert that I used to do before dd was born. Both of which (salad/side and fruit) hubby has complained about not having. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2007 Report Share Posted April 6, 2007 And in our house multiply the laziness factor by the amount of greens in a regular batch (not precut) and how often we remember/want to sit down and eat them, the bagged salad (sadly) works out to be more efficient. A head of greens (no matter what it is) often ends up being expensive mulch (compost) >I had the same thought. I have found that, in our house, there is >less waste with the precut salads due to the laziness factor. > >ERB <bakwin wrote: Phyllis wrote: > ><<Both of which (salad/side and fruit) hubby has >complained about not having.>> > >LOL!! How strange, that your husband is unable to cut >up fruit or tear up lettuce leaves by himself. ;-) > >Liz > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2007 Report Share Posted April 9, 2007 , ERB <bakwin wrote: > > LOL!! How strange, that your husband is unable to cut > up fruit or tear up lettuce leaves by himself. ;-) > > Liz > If only a salad were that simple! No, just lettuce is not good enough for hubby. Must have other things in the salad, like tomatoes, carrots, radishes....you get the idea. And I use to spoil him with the fruit - washed, cut/peeled and arranged nice and pretty on a plate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 2007 Report Share Posted April 10, 2007 we don't do once-a-month-cooking. we do once-a-week-cooking. and we don't cook whole meals. i can't count the number of times i've made oatmeal AGAIN because i hate to bake, or the numbr of times i've skipped making something because the rice would add an extra hour to cook. especially with a very active 2 y/o and a very needy 4 m/o, i just don't have the time to do all the cooking i'd like, and while my husband is always ready and willow to help with or make dinner, he doesn't have a lot of energy for it either. so we do OAWC. on sundays, our quiet day, we spend most of the day going back and forth from the kitchen cooking stuff. my husband, the baker (i like the art of cooking, but he likes the science), will make waffles and muffins for freezing, a sweet bread for snacking, and a sandwich bread, and sometimes tortillas. i'll cook rice and lentils for quick bases for meals, a nutritional yeast sauce for breakfast or pasta, and breakfast bars, crackers, dip, and other snack-y type stuff, plus a great big salad to snack on during the week. this way, my kid actually eats occasionally during the week, and i do too. it makes dinners a lot faster to have the long-cooking stuff ready. and i don't have to worry about any of the nutritional content in cooked veggies being lost, because i have time to make that fresh. just an idea for a compromise. chandelle' On 4/9/07, Phyllis <none_ya wrote: > > , ERB <bakwin wrote: > > > > LOL!! How strange, that your husband is unable to cut > > up fruit or tear up lettuce leaves by himself. ;-) > > > > Liz > > > If only a salad were that simple! No, just lettuce is not good enough > for hubby. Must have other things in the salad, like tomatoes, > carrots, radishes....you get the idea. And I use to spoil him with the > fruit - washed, cut/peeled and arranged nice and pretty on a plate. > > > > For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG website at > http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful for families go to > http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion list and is not intended to > provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a > qualified health professional. > > edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health > professional. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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