Veg Out

I’m the crazy one that loves vegetables, well, mostly all COOKED vegetables. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy grocery shopping. I like to see what’s in season and get inspiration for the week.

Fresh veggies are the best and most are generally low in sodium. But sometimes you need an ingredient that’s not in season (kernel corn?), or you’ve had a long day from work and the thought of chopping up broccoli or trimming kale is too much. I get it.

Steamer bags and canned veggies are clutch on those low motivation days or just to have on hand. Not all are low sodium and it might take a little browsing the aisle or freezer case for the no salt added options.

Can it Up

Canned vegetables are great! They’re shelf stable for years and are perfect when you want to add to any weeknight meal or for picky eaters. However, most canned veggies have a lot of added sodium.

Depending on your grocery store, you may have to look closely for “no salt added” cans, which is different from, “reduced sodium,” as we learned with stocks. Most stores will carry corn, green beans, and peas.

You may not have the full variety, but I’ve found carrots and even vegetable medley with no salt added in the stores.

Not only do these cans help in a pinch, they’re great for camping trips and in my hurricane/blizzard food stash alongside other shelf-stable foods.

Gettin’ Steamy

When steamer bags came onto the market years ago, they were very limited. Frozen veggies had been around for decades (that box of chopped spinach anyone?), but these bags added the convenience of the microwave.

Fast forward and the freezer case is now loaded with options with many containing sauces and seasonings that can also add a ton of salt to appeal to consumers; think kids only eating broccoli if there’s added cheese.

Stick with the single ingredient varieties. While a bit more expensive per ounce than their canned cousins, they’ll taste just as fresh and often aren’t influenced by market prices like fresh produce.

You can also reduce that single-use plastic problem of steamer bags, one reason I try and stick with fresh, by purchasing large bags. Costco is great for variety and size. You lose some of the “steamer” aspect, but a reusable microwave safe dish is totally doable.

And of course, you can add salt when you cook, heat and eat with the goal of, “no salt added,” keeping you in control.

What’s your favorite vegetable you wish was frozen?

#StaySalty

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