Love Food Hate Waste
Over 50% of New Zealanders say that planning efficiently helps them to reduce their food waste.
But let’s face it – life doesn’t always go as planned. That home cooked dinner on Thursday night turns into a catch-up with friends, and Friday takeaways? They’re practically a tradition. So stay flexible, and follow Love Food Hate Waste NZ’s Food Critic approved steps to proper meal planning.
- STEP ONE: CHECK YOUR WEEK
It might feel like a drag at the start, but once you get going, you’ll form a habit of meal planning that will save you money and time! A few minutes checking who’s in and who’s out, what events you have on, and planning for flexible meals means you’ll gain hours back to do what makes you happy!
- STEP TWO: CHECK WHAT YOU’VE GOT
Check what you’ve already got at home, use up what’s on that Eat Me First Shelf, and check the freezer for leftover meals that can turn into quick dishes on days you can’t be bothered cooking from scratch!
- STEP THREE: CHOOSE YOUR MEALS
It’s rare for the week to go exactly as planned! Start small, and plan for three meals with room for takeaways and leftovers for the other nights. Never feel guilty about food going to waste again!
- STEP FOUR: CREATE YOUR LIST
Write that list and take it with you. If you’re not much of a pen-to-paper type of person, take a look at meal planning apps that do the hard work for you!
By adopting these four simple steps, you’ll start seeing immediate benefits:
- Time and Money Savings: With a list and plan in hand, you’ll avoid expensive last-minute takeaways or additional trips to the grocery store.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing exactly what you’ll eat each week takes away the daily stress of figuring out meals, giving you more energy for other things.
- Less Food Waste: Buying only what you need and eating everything you buy means fewer resources are wasted, helping reduce your environmental footprint and contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.
Download Love Food Hate Waste NZ’s FREE meal planner here and start saving money today!
