Are You Guilty of this Common Food Problem?

Canadians waste $31 billion of food a year (!), and nearly half of that waste comes from our kitchens at home.

Want to help the planet and stop the waste? Start with these super simple tips.

Make a plan

“The number one tip for reducing food waste is knowing what’s in your fridge,” says Canadian Chef Chuck Hughes. “Always head to the store with a plan for what you need to cook that week.” This is especially important if you travel a lot during the summer months. If you find you’ve made a little too much, pack it up and take it with you. “Leftovers can make snacks for the road,” says Hughes. Check out these snack ideas that are Whole30 diet approved.

Buy funny-looking produce

Trust us, that oddly-shaped tomato tastes just as good, and if everyone passes it by because of its unique look, it’s likely to get tossed.

Have a cleanup meal once a week

Dishes like omelettes, stir-fries and soups let you incorporate just about any veggie that needs to be used up. According to Hughes, “apples and bread are two common ingredients that are often pushed to the back of the fridge and forgotten.” Salads are also a great way to combine miscellaneous foods together. (These healthy salad recipes are anything but boring.)

Not sure what to make with your leftover food? Hughes has teamed up with LG on a weekly recipe series called LG Continuous Kitchen. Each week Hughes shares a delicious recipe that uses only leftover food ingredients. You can watch the videos at LG.ca/ContinuousKitchen.

Use your best judgement

Not sure if that yogurt is still OK to eat? “There is always the ever-reliable sniff test,” says Hughes. “If it smells funky, it probably is.” Of course, certain foods, like fresh seafood need to be consumed right away. “But many ingredients can be turned into a good dish if they are just past their “Best By” date,” he says.

Freeze it!

When bananas are going brown, pop them in the freezer. And don’t stop at produce—foods, from cheese to baked goods, save well in sub-zero temperatures.

Next, don’t miss finding out the best diet for your personality type.