When I returned from holidays recently, my fridge was empty and my fruit bowl was bare (not too panic, my pantry and freezer were well stocked!). It was a perfect opportunity to start with a clean slate and take steps to reduce my food wastage and focus more on healthy eating. Having started “me time” at the gym three times a week earlier this year, I am feeling so much fitter and healthier, and whilst I have been eating pretty healthily, it was a great chance to make a few more healthy changes. I have also recently been watching Hugh’s War on Waste and it inspired me to do more to minimise my food wastage. The amount of food thrown out is unbelievable. From food that doesn’t make it to the supermarket because it doesn’t look pretty enough, to leftovers and veggies that hide at the back of ourfridges for too long to products past their use by date. We can all make small changes to minimise our food waste.
So this is what I am going to do.
I am going to plan out my meals for the week using my menu planner which creates my shopping list – something I have been doing, but had let slip recently.
This way I will only buy what I need, in the quantities needed. It will also make life easier as I know what is for dinner each night. I can plan for those busy activity nights when preparation and cooking time is limited and I can even make a double batch to put int freezer for use at a later date.
I am going to use more local produce, and I mean close to home local.
I have a freezer with lamb and beef from a friends’ farm – the taste and quality cannot be beaten and I know they have treated these animals well and not used unnecessary medicines/antibiotics. By planning my meals for the week, I can ensure the meat is defrosted ready to use.
I also have a vegetable patch starting to flourish with crops of pak choy, broccoli, peas, spring onions, leeks, herbs, citrus. The ultimate in garden to plate – produce at its best and freshest. Why would I not want to maximise my crop and use it at its best?
With a little bit of planning I can achieve these things.
With a little planning we can all do more to minimise food wastage.
What can you change to make a difference in your life?
Loni xx