A Simple Thing ✨ no. 13
a simple swap that saves money and is gentler on the planet
Our days are made up of countless small choices, and even slight shifts in those choices can lead to significant change. A drop in the bucket may seem minor, but when we all make small, achievable shifts, those drops can turn into a geyser of positive impact.
This week’s simple thing is all about berries—those sweet, tart little powerhouses of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. But did you know that enjoying fresh berries out of season can take a toll on your wallet and the environment?
A simple thing to do this week…
🫐 Opt for frozen berries out of season
When fresh, local berries are out of reach, frozen berries are a fantastic alternative. Here’s why:
environmentally friendly: Frozen berries are harvested in-season, at peak ripeness, and frozen quickly. This process not only locks in nutrition but also reduces food waste and lowers the energy needed for transportation compared to out-of-season fresh berries.
budget-friendly: Frozen berries are often more affordable than their fresh counterparts when purchased out of season.
longer shelf life: No more half-moldy cartons in the fridge— frozen berries last much longer, reducing waste and saving money (again!).
5 Easy Ways to Enjoy Frozen Berries
Here are some simple ideas to incorporate frozen berries into your meals. Let me know which ones you try!
smoothies: classic for a reason— blend frozen berries with your favorite plant milk or yogurt for a quick, nutritious treat.
oatmeal: toss frozen berries into warm oatmeal for a burst of flavor and added nutritional value. And if you have little kids it’s a helpful hack for getting oatmeal to that just right temperature for baby bear.
granola & plant milk: My personal favorite! The plant milk coats the berries, creating little smoothie-like bundles, so good.
waffles, pancakes & baked goods: Sprinkle frozen berries into your pancake batter, waffles, muffins, or breads for an easy and delicious upgrade.
straight up: One of my kids’ favorite snacks is simply a bowl of frozen raspberries— too easy!
What will you try this week?
Stay nourished and take care of our generous home—
The Costco frozen berries are delicious! I love throwing a bunch in a bowl as a sweet treat after dinner. The oatmeal idea is great—do you not defrost them before adding them?
I throw them in my oatmeal as well! And yes I haven’t bought fresh berries for months. They’re out of season, taste bad, and they’re being flown here on airplanes? It makes you appreciate the fresh ones in season.