Unexpected Solutions to Save Time, Money, and Eat More Nutritiously: Reducing Food Waste

What if you could save time, money, and eat more nutritiously with one simple change? It’s possible by reducing food waste—a surprisingly effective way to improve your health, finances, and even the environment.

Why Food Waste Matters

Food waste is a global issue, with the U.S. being a major contributor. In fact, food makes up the largest portion of U.S. landfills. A lot of this discarded food is highly nutritious, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and there’s a better way to manage it.

Reducing food waste can help you:

• Save time by using leftovers.

• Save money—Americans waste about $1,600 worth of food per year.

• Help the environment by reducing the unnecessary use of resources like water, land, and packaging.

  
  

Hacks to Reduce Food WasteHere are six practical strategies to minimize food waste in your household:

1. Freeze Leftovers

   If you’ve cooked too much or have extra food, freeze it for later. Leftovers can save you time and money, especially on busy days when you don’t feel like cooking. Just make sure to pack it up safely within 1-2 hours of cooking.

   
   

2. Understand Food Dates

   Many people throw food away thinking it’s gone bad, but not all “use by” dates mean the food is unsafe. The FDA recommends labels like “Best if used by” for quality (not safety). Learn the difference to avoid tossing perfectly good food.

   
   

3. Buy "Imperfect" or "Ugly" Produce

   Imperfect fruits and vegetables are often discarded because they don't look perfect. By purchasing these, you can reduce food waste while saving money. Just make sure they’re safe to eat and freeze them if needed.

   
   

4. Create a Sharing Community

   Consider swapping meals with friends or family. This creates a fun, low-effort way to share home-cooked meals and reduce waste without doing extra cooking yourself.

   
   

5. Optimize Your Fridge and Freezer

   Regularly check your fridge and freezer to ensure food is used before it spoils. Keep your fridge at 40°F and your freezer at 0°F to prolong freshness.

   
   

6. Plan Meals and Make a Grocery List

   Planning meals ahead of time helps you buy only what you need, reducing the chances of over-purchasing food that may go unused. Sticking to a grocery list can prevent impulse buys that end up in the trash.

   
   

Have you tried our Meal Planning Program? Members lose weight, save money and time on our plans! Plus, insurance may cover this service. Reach out to learn more!

Try this recipe!

Cucumber Cannellini Bean Salad

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz.) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, medium dice

• 1 cup hot water

• 1/2 seedless cucumber, medium dice (1 cup)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half

• 1/2 lemon, squeezed

• 1/4 cup fresh dill, roughly chopped

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 1 Tbs olive oil

• salt, to taste

• pepper, to taste

Directions

Prep

1. Drain and rinse the beans.

2. Re-hydrate the sundried tomatoes in 1 cup of boiling water. Let sit for 10 minutes and then drain excess fluid.

3. Dice the cucumber.

4. Slice the tomatoes in half.

5. Roughly chop the dill.

6. Crumble the feta.

7. Squeeze the lemon.

Make

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and season with salt and pepper.

2. To serve, divide into 4 equal portions.

   NutritionFacts

   Calories per serving: 182

   Total Fat 7.5g

        Saturated Fat 1.9g

        Trans Fat 0.0g

   Cholesterol 8mg

   Sodium 270mg

   Total Carbohydrates 23g

        Dietary Fiber 6g

        Total Sugars 7g

   Protein 8g