Use Leftovers To Save Money 

Did you know that America wastes 119 billion pounds of food annually? 40% of the food in America is wasted, just thrown away. You can do nothing about the vast amount we throw away, but did you know you can use leftovers to save money?

The amount wasted should be no surprise to us. We see it everywhere we go. Think about when you last ate out. I don’t eat out often, but I notice how much food is wasted when I do. I always think to myself, we have got to stop wasting money on food. So many people think it’s ok and throw the food away. 

You need to set a food budget. You need to pay attention to things like a waste because it does cost you. You waste money whenever you throw something out that you could have used. Food is no different. 

Meal prepping is another great way to save money.

Establish portion control. Most people can’t tell you what one serving of eggs or meat is, which takes me back to dining out. 

The last time I ate out, I went to a steak house. When the meal was served, I couldn’t help but notice the steak was larger than the plate. The steak hung over the edge of the plate. 

I ate a third of mine and took the rest home. I can use this in another meal. But the point is most people need to learn what portions are. What is one serving? 

What is one serving of meat?

How many eggs does it take to make one serving?

Part of the problem is we need to know what portion control is. Therefore many people fix and overeat, which leads to wasting more food. 

If you eat more than you need, it’s a waist. 

Use Leftovers To Save Money 

It may sound funny but use leftovers to save money. Think of it like this, you bought it, and any part of what you bought and didn’t use is thrown away. If you had not thrown it away, you would have used it. You could have enough to make a complete meal or add something to it to make a full meal. In both cases, you would use less because you already had some of it. Using leftovers will save you money. 

Don’t throw Leftovers Out. 

If you eat at a restaurant or home, don’t let leftovers go to waste. There’s no such thing as not enough to save. If you have a large amount left, you can make another meal. Add a snack or another leftover if you don’t have enough for another meal. 

If you are in a restaurant, get a to-go box or bag. 

If you are home, refrigerate it in a container or zip-lock bag.

You now have a start on tomorrow’s lunch or dinner. 

Repurpose Them

Leftovers are so easy to use. Meats and veggies can be added to casseroles or soups.

Some meats can be used to make sandwiches. 

Rice and other grains can be used to make scrambles and soups.

Let your creative self go. 

Use Leftovers To Save Money 

Freeze Leftovers

You don’t want to eat these leftovers right away. You might be tired of the meal or want to save it for later. Freeze the leftovers.

Whatever you freeze, mark the container with what it is and when it was frozen. 

Prevent Leftovers

If you are one of those people that can’t stand leftovers, the best thing you can do is avoid them. 

If you are eating at home, make less.

If you eat in a restaurant, split the meal or item with someone or ask for a smaller portion. 

Conclusion 

Use leftovers to save money. How much food do you throw away? If you hadn’t thrown it away, how many meals could you have made with the remnants of that meal? Using leftovers to save money is a great idea.