Making your own "frozen dinners" with the Seal-a-Meal System is a healthy, convenient, and affordable alternative to eating out, buying expensive prepared foods, or using store-bought "convenience foods," which are often loaded with fat and preservatives.

• Planning your meals in advance offers all the advantages of good nutrition. You have the ability to choose fresh, seasonal fruits, vegetables, and specialty items. Vacuum-sealing preserves the nutrients and allows you to use these foods when you choose, rather than rushing to use them up or waiting too long only to find they've gone bad.
• With good planning, shopping for multiple meals takes about the same amount of time as shopping for a single meal. With a good shopping list in hand, you can quickly walk the aisles of your grocery store and complete the task in a minimum amount of ti Save money by making a complete grocery list of all items required and avoid the temptation to choose expensive, prepared foods.
• If possible, plan time for shopping and cooking in the same day. You'll have everything at hand and ready to go. Two or three hours spent shopping and cooking will save many additional hours over the weeks ahead.
• Wash and chop vegetables and/or fruit all at once for use in multiple recipes. Vacuum seal, label, and date the bags and freeze excess fruits and vegetables. When needed for soups, stews, omelets, or a dinner entrée, you'll have the chopped ingredients conveniently at hand.
• Label and date your meals as you vacuum seal and freeze each one. Note on a piece of paper whether they are cooked or uncooked and what will be required to finish preparation. Create a complete listing of your main dish meals or bulk foods and keep it posted on the refrigerator. Cross off foods as they are used.