Shop More Often
If you do one sweeping shopping trip per week, your fruits and veggies will go bad long before
you have a chance to eat them. Try supplementing your major weekly shop with a couple of
small trips to restock produce.
Buy Local
Broccoli in the produce aisle has already endured a trip of at least 7 to 10 days -- that's half its
life span.
We can make a commitment to shop as locally as possible, so we're purchasing perishables
that last longer.
Plan Ahead
You had high hopes for that ratatouille made from scratch -- but then a late night at the office
foils your good intentions. "The reality is, life happens, and we want a 10-minute meal," French
says.
So before you hit the store, look at the calendar and develop a weekly menu around your
schedule, flagging days you're more likely to be able to cook. Plan three or four days to make
recipes and two to eat leftovers; reserve one or two "free" days for impromptu events, like
dinner with friends.
Learn Label Lingo
"Sell-by" or "use-by" dates don't always mean "toss-by." The sell-by date is the last
recommended day you should buy a product in the store, but you can eat it several days to a
week after. "Use-by" is the date through which the item will be top-quality.
However, "if stored properly, most foods stay fresh several days longer than the use-by date,
even meat," says Fraser. "I've eaten plenty of foods past the date."
Of course, if you note any off odors, textures, or colors, don't risk it. And you never want to use
baby formula past its date.
Make the best use of what's already in your kitchen with these use-it-up meals.
Source: Wholeliving.com
Courtesy: Health Prior 21.

