I just finished up with the first weekly segment in our FREE Facebook community, “How to Shop, Prep, and Cook Your Way into a Healthy Life” with the topic of leftovers.
It was so well received that I thought I would put the cliffs note version in here because these are some amazing tips and I know you will love having them on hand.
For the full video, be sure to join the free community to catch it and the rest of the weekly segments.
Ok, leftovers. Let’s get to the info.
Common thoughts around leftovers:
- Leftovers can get boring
- You might not use them fast enough and then they go bad (or you think they went bad)
- You decide there is just a little bit left so why keep them?
Do you have similar thoughts about leftovers? After reading this, I am hoping you will feel inspired to get creative with your leftovers, know how to store them properly, and save money by utilizing them in your weekly meal plan.
- STORAGE MATTERS
When storing fresh produce like kale, spinach, parsley, cilantro, or even berries. I love these Rubbermaid produce savers. They come in different sizes and help prevent me from tossing produce away. You can find them here or at your local stores.
I prefer glass storage containers over plastic because they can go from the fridge straight to the oven or the microwave, they last longer, and food doesn’t stain glass like it could plastic. My favorite is these ones from Snapware. If you have a Costco close by, check them out there for the best deal or you can use this link here to purchase through Amazon. Look for containers that are airtight, will work for your storage space, and that isn’t too heavy. You want to make it convenient for you.
- HOW LONG TO STORE TO KEEP YOU SAFE:
Takeout food – In general, the USDA tells us to follow the four day rule when it comes to storing leftovers in the fridge. Also, when it comes to takeout, be sure to toss the containers they come home in and put in an airtight container to keep you safe.
Veggies – In general, they will last for about a week… give or take. Lettuce can wilt if not stored properly (remember my love of that produce saver?!). If you pre-cut veggies (a huge time saver), you can place them in a bit of water or store with a damp paper towel.
Hard-Boiled Eggs – If you’ve made a batch of hard-boiled eggs, they’ll last in the fridge for up to one week.
Rice, beans, and other grains – It can be hard to visibly see when cooked grains start to go bad, but I say follow the four-day rule as well.
Meat eaters? In general, you can keep cooked meat in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Pasta – Pasta is ok to eat after 5 days of hanging out in the fridge but I wouldn’t push it past that. If you’ve cooked it with meat, finish it or toss it after day 4.
When in doubt, store it in the freezer until later or smell to be safe.
3. HOW LEFTOVERS SAVE MONEY
Develop a meal plan that can incorporate leftovers. Think about planning one specific day where the focus is leftovers. You’d be amazed at what you have held on to all week that can be used before tossing. Don’t be afraid to get creative.
If you are looking for some ideas on how to incorporate leftovers into your meal plan, check out my 4-week meal plan, Eat Together, Eat Better.
4. FOOD SPECIFICS
- Leftover French fries can be kind of gross leftover and warmed up in the microwave. However, toast them up in the oven and they make GREAT hash browns.
- Don’t toss dried out rice. Warm-up rice with a little bit of water to help give it life again.
- Spaghetti sauce leftover will make perfect pizza sauce.
- Fruit peels are excellent added to water!
- Freeze fruit that is on the outs to add to smoothies another day
- Soups, pasta, casseroles, and lasagnas work well for tossing almost anything into and making it something new.
5. COOK ONE MEAL AND TURN IT INTO 5 DIFFERENT MEALS
Alright chili fans, where you yet? I LOVE chili! One reason being that it is really versatile to make, but also, it makes really great leftovers. Due to that fact, I am going to use it as an example how you can cook it for one night’s meal but turn it into so much more.
- Night one: Chili cooked as is, served with your favorite toppings, and a side of cornbread. Yummy!
- Day two (breakfast): Add some chili with either extra veggies or eggs if you eat those and make breakfast burritos.
- Day three (dinner): Cook pasta and add remaining chili to the pasta with a can of chopped tomatoes, a handful of fresh greens and serve as chili mac.
- Any leftovers, store in the freezer for another day.
- Two extra meal ideas: Add chili on top of chips and make it nachos style OR roast a baked potato and serve the leftover chili as one of your toppings.
Key Take-Aways To Use Leftovers Easily:
- Storage is key for keeping your food safe. When in doubt, toss.
- Find recipes that work really well for you and your family that can be made once and repurposed
- Develop a meal plan that incorporates utilizing leftovers
Do you have a meal you love making just so you can get leftovers from it? If so, please let me know what your favorites are
