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    Home » Clean Eating Tips

    7 Clever Ways To Reduce Food Waste At Home

    LAST UPDATED: March 26, 2020 | PUBLISHED: March 26, 2020 | BY: Kim | Leave a Comment

    I've definitely been guilty of wasting food before, but I’ve learned it’s possible to reduce waste at home with a few simple, lasting changes. From being smarter about how I use leftovers, to creating a weekly meal plan, to understanding how to eat more mindfully, I now shop smarter so I use more of what I have on hand.

    a skillet with noodles, peanut sauce and chicken

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    I used to throw away so much food—half-eaten lettuce, leftovers I forgot to freeze, yogurt that expired before I got to it. I’d also end up buying things I already had at home because I wasn’t keeping track. It felt like I was constantly wasting money and creating unnecessary stress.

    It wasn’t just the money, though—it was frustrating to see food I’d bought with good intentions go to waste. I realized I needed to make some changes, so I started adopting a few simple habits. These adjustments have not only helped me reduce waste but also saved me money and made meal planning as a couple and meal prepping for the week ahead a whole lot easier.

    1. Take Stock Before Shopping

    • I always check my fridge and pantry to avoid buying duplicates or unnecessary items.
    • Knowing what I already have ensures nothing goes to waste and saves money.

    2. Plan Meals for the Week

    • A weekly meal plan helps me use what I already have and prevents overbuying.
    • Including snacks, lunches, and dinners keeps me organized and reduces waste.

    3. Shop Smart

    • I stick to a grocery list to avoid impulse purchases.
    • Buying only what I need keeps me from overloading on fresh produce I can’t finish.

    4. Store Food Properly

    • Fruits: Store apples, oranges, and pears in the fridge; keep bananas and avocados on the counter until ripe.
    • Leafy Greens: Place in airtight containers with a paper towel to absorb moisture, then store in the fridge's crisper drawer.
    • Root Vegetables: Keep carrots, potatoes, and similar veggies in a cool, dark place away from sunlight.
    • Crisper Drawer: Use it to store most veggies to maintain optimal freshness.

    5. Rotate Your Veggies

    • I rearrange my fridge so older veggies are at the front to be used first.
    • Cleaning and organizing my fridge regularly ensures nothing gets forgotten.

    6. Get Creative with Leftovers

    • Leftovers aren’t boring. They’re an opportunity to create new meals.
    • Adding spices, veggies, or grains turns them into something exciting and fresh.

    7. Freeze Foods to Avoid Waste

    • If I can’t use something in time, I freeze it instead of letting it spoil.
    • Labeling frozen items with the name and “use-by” date makes them easy to manage.

    8. Turn Scraps Into Stock

    • Veggie peelings and scraps go into a freezer bag to make flavorful stock later.
    • It’s a simple way to use what might otherwise go to waste.

    9. Think Differently About Food

    • Overripe bananas go into smoothies or banana bread instead of the trash.
    • I choose long-lasting produce like carrots, cabbage, and sweet potatoes when I need a slower turnover.

    10. Track What You’re Throwing Away

    • I keep a "Waste Journal" to see patterns in what I toss.
    • This helps me adjust my buying, storing, and eating habits to waste less food.

    Reducing food waste has been a game-changer for me—not just for saving money but for making the most of what I have. With a little planning, smart shopping, and creative use of leftovers, I’ve found it’s easy to cut down on waste and keep my meals exciting. Small steps really do make a big difference!

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    Hey I'm Kim

    I'm passionate about creating recipes that are lower in sugar and calories without compromising on taste or flavor! My areas of expertise are Dinners Under 500 Calories and Sugar Free Desserts!

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