The cost of living is rising steadily and many of our wages are failing to keep pace. During times like these, eating healthy is even more difficult; Fresh food spoils quickly, our busy lifestyles make cooking a chore and frozen pre-made food lacks the nutrition our bodies need to stay strong and healthy. That’s why we’ve come up with creative solutions to make the healthy food we buy last longer and avoid wasting what we buy. Below are 5 tips for making your purchases worth every penny!

Storing perishable foods

Most people don’t know how to properly store their food, which results in more wasted food and cases of food poisoning. Many experts recommend storing foods that are vulnerable to bacteria growth or curdling at the back of your refrigerator. Foods like eggs, meats, and milk are particularly vulnerable to temperature changes and should be stored in the back of the fridge where the temperature is coolest and most consistent. Make sure that your refrigerator is at the appropriate temperature (40°F (4°C) or below)! Having a thermometer inside the fridge is always helpful.

Freezing food

Freezing food is another great way to make your groceries last longer. Cooking entire meals and freezing them is great for the days where you just don’t have time to cook. Just keep in mind that not everything can be frozen. For more information on how to store your frozen goods checkhere.

Plan your meals

Try planning what meals you want to cook for yourself and your family before shopping. That way you can list what ingredients you need, and avoid purchasing food you already have at home. You can also plan meals around the food you have at home so you don't need to worry about it spoiling.

Good Practices

Clean your fridge weekly! This helps ensure good airflow and helps your food stay colder and last longer. You can also take stock ofwhen food you have for your meal planning at the same time. 

Making your meals count 

Frozen grocery store meals are often lacking in nutrients and fail to help fill us up. Studies have shown a high protein, low carbohydrate diet is one of the best ways to help us feel and stay full for hours. Our Nutraleanand Nutraveganprotein powders are a great way to boost your protein intake for meals that fill you up and prevent snacking throughout the night. For more cooking ideas for you and your family, check out ourRecipes Blog.

References
Bryan FL. Factors that Contribute to Outbreaks of Foodborne Disease. J Food Prot. 1978 Oct;41(10):816-827.

Food Safety and Inspection Service: U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2022. [online] Available at: <https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/refrigeration> [Accessed 20 June 2022].

Alexandra M Johnstone, Graham W Horgan, Sandra D Murison, David M Bremner, Gerald E Lobley, Effects of a high-protein ketogenic diet on hunger, appetite, and weight loss in obese men feeding ad libitum, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 87, Issue 1, January 2008, Pages 44–55.

Veldhorst, M., Westerterp, K., Van Vught, A., & Westerterp-Plantenga, M. (2010). Presence or absence of carbohydrates and the proportion of fat in a high-protein diet affect appetite suppression but not energy expenditure in normal-weight human subjects fed in energy balance. British Journal of Nutrition, 104(9), 1395-1405.