To save money, one of the things we need to do is to waste less food. And at times, we don't even realise how much we are throwing away.
Given the rising prices I wanted to share 5 common things that many do that may result in food and money both being wasted.
When you don’t plan and prepare your meals you don’t always know what you will be eating during the week, so you either end up rushing to the supermarket last minute and getting more expensive foods or you order a takeaway. Can you begin to plan meals so you use the ingredients that you have at home.
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You've probably got some food in your fridge/pantry but haven't even checked what's there and it keeps getting pushed towards the back of the shelves. This doesn't get used and then weeks or months later, when you realise it has expired you throw it away. When meal planning, make sure to use up left over products you have at home, before doing any food shopping so as not to waste food.
You need to check dates on the packaged foods so as to reduce food being wasted. Also, learn the difference between 'use by' and 'best before' dates so you know what to eat so it tastes good and doesn't get spoilt. Begin to have a section on the shelf or drawer in your fridge/pantry of foods that need to be used sooner.
Paying for branded products when supermarket brands are much cheaper results in more money being spent. Check and compare prices for the different brands for everyday essentials like bread, milk, yogurt, cereals, etc. If you like the taste and it's cheaper, get the supermarkets own branded foods.
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Many ready-made meals are convenient as you just need to heat these in the oven or microwave. However, these tend to be unhealthy when high in sugar, fat and salt. Also, they are expensive compared to when you cook from scratch, so do make time to cook easy simple meals for yourself and your family.
Sujata Din is a Certified Health Coach and Certified Professional Cancer Coach. In this regular column for iGlobal, she offers some special insights, from useful wellness tips to recipes for creations that are not only delicious but also healthy.
