“I spent $200 on groceries and $150 went into the trash because I didn’t get to it in time.”
I hear this from new clients all the time! I have been there too and know it is frustrating. It just presents one more obstacle, in a sea of obstacles, of you developing your healthy lifestyle and achieving your weight loss intentions.
Below are 11 practical and straightforward tips, by produce type, to reduce food waste and save money that we use every day! These tips will help eliminate the obstacle of wasting food and money supporting your healthy, balanced eating intentions.
Click here to get our list of what is in-season each month. Eating in-season produce increases the nutrition value of the produce and it is typically less expensive.
Note: this does not include grocery shopping tips to reduce food waste and save money. The tips shared focus on what to do with the produce once it is at home.
11 Tips to Reduce Food Waste and Save Money
Number 1 Tip to Reduce Food Waste and Save Money: Take Daily Inventory!
VEGGIES.
- I like to habit stack when I check my veggies so I check when I am prepping the evening meal.
- If you notice veggies are starting to get wrinkly, wilted, discolored, etc. (ideally we get to them before this), take action!
- If they complement dinner that night, toss them in.
- Otherwise steam, roast or make a stir fry to have at a future meal.
- If it is veggie greens like spinach or kale, I like to toss them into a smoothie the next afternoon.
FRUIT.
- Again, I like to habit stack when I plan to check the fruit so I don’t forget! We always have fruit at our afternoon snack so that is when I check in on the fruit each day.
- If they are ripe, take action!
- Have them at your next meal or snack. If they are overly ripe, I like to toss them into a smoothie. We haven’t had a combination of fruit in a smoothie that we didn’t enjoy! Try our Creamy Peach Smoothie Recipe!
- Prepare and freeze! Frozen fruits makes a great sweet treat during the summer months or anytime you fancy a cold treat. Once frozen, add a dollop of yogurt, crumble a whole grain cracker on top and add a thin swirl of a nut butter. Delicious and nutritious!
- BANANAS! are one of the MOST mentioned fruits that go to waste. Again, tossing into a smoothie works, but sometimes there can be five or more bananas that need to be used. Next time, peel them, place in a baggie and toss in the freezer to add to smoothies later. Banana bread always comes to mind with overly ripe bananas, but how about a healthier alternative?!?! Make banana ice cream!!! Makes for a very yummy nutritious treat!
-
Try our Easy Banana Ice Cream Recipe!
Recent Comments