4 Food Mistakes That Are Costing You Money

Next to not having enough time, one of the biggest excuses people make for not eating healthfully is the cost. And while a trip to the grocery store to stock up on healthy ingredients is an investment, it’s the food we throw away, not the food we eat, that costs us the most.
A recent study out of Cornell identified the four most common causes of food waste in homes and the good new is they’re all completely avoidable. By making a few simple changes in your routine, you can save money without having to sacrifice healthy, homemade meals. Here are four ways you are wasting food  and the easy solutions that will add some dollars back into your budget:

Problem #1: Buying too much

Solution: Go to the grocery store prepared. Plan your meals for the week and make a list of everything you will need. When you get to the store, buy only what is on your list — no impulse buys!

Problem #2: Preparing too much

Solution: Instead of blindly throwing ingredients together, know the serving size for the meals you are preparing and make just enough to feed the amount of people you are cooking for. If there are leftovers, pack them up and store them in the fridge immediately after you’re done eating to prevent them from going bad.

Problem #3: Not eating the leftovers

Solution: Storing leftovers is only the first step – you have to actually eat them! Eating the same meals day after day can get boring, so get creative with leftovers. Grain and veggie dishes make great next-day salad toppers, and leftover poultry and fish can be turned into a sandwich or wrap for an easy brown-bag lunch.

Problem #4: Improper food storage

Solution: If your food is going bad before you can even eat it, it may be time to take a closer look at your fridge. If you don’t plan on eating chicken, fish, or meat within a few days, freeze it as soon as you get home. The same goes for veggies – slice, put in baggies, and freeze ,and you’ll have frozen vegetables ready to defrost in a pinch. Also, be sure to store eggs and milk on the bottom shelf, which is the coolest part of the fridge and will keep them fresher, longer.