Make Your Own Frozen Entrees

And save money while improving your health

For a little bit of food and a whole lot of packaging, frozen entrees can run you anywhere from $3 to $5 apiece. But you can make your own frozen meals by using microwave containers that are about the size and shape of typical frozen entrees. This is a big health bonus if you need to limit your sodium, because most frozen dinners are loaded with sodium—some even have as much as 1,500 milligrams (enough for an entire day).

Individual microwave dishes (with covers) that are freezer and microwave safe require an initial investment of about $5 ($9 for a divided dish with cover). But it’s a gift that keeps on giving, because each time you pack your leftovers in one of these convenient containers and freeze them, you are saving several dollars! Here are some other ways you’ll also be saving money—and living “greener”:

• You are more likely to use leftovers that you've stored in the freezer in the following weeks. When food’s left in the refrigerator, it often remains there a few days and then winds up being thrown out.
• You are filling your freezer with some quick mealtime options for lunch or dinner, which will save you the cost of buying lunch at work or frozen entrees from the store.
• You are living a little more green by not buying a small amount of food wrapped in a lot of packaging—all of which must be thrown out or, if possible, recycled (which requires energy and other resources). Instead, you are using a container that can be washed and used repeatedly.
• Sometimes it costs only a little more to make four servings instead of two, or two servings instead of one. Go ahead and make a larger amount of food, because the remainder can be turned into frozen entrees to be enjoyed later in the week or month.

I found a couple of different individual container options from Nordic Ware (made in the USA): Nordic Ware Microwave Oval Casserole (2-cup capacity), for $5.50 Nordic Ware Microwave Divided Dish with Cover, for $9.95.

In these challenging times, every little bit helps. Give this a try!

By Elaine Magee, MPH, RD
The Recipe Doctor Blog