Growing up I hate leftovers and would do everything I could to avoid them. Now, as a mom of three, I’ve made my peace with leftovers and try to use them in creative ways. (Here are some ideas for Unconventional Leftovers.) But, are leftovers really a good idea? Let us take a look.
Leftovers Can Make your Sick (BAD)
Since I hate wasting money, I’m reluctant to toss out food. Taken too far, this could make me sick, when leftovers are too old or haven’t been stored properly. Getting leftovers refrigerated or frozen immediately, labeling leftovers with a date, and keeping food rotated in the refrigerator can all help to avoid accidentally eating something that is part science experiment.
Leftovers Can Cost Money (BAD)
Has anyone ever put some leftovers in the fridge pretty much knowing that they won’t eat them later but feeling too guilty to throw them out? I have. Eventually, these leftovers do need to be tossed, and they can be counted as wasted food. (Find some creative ways to eliminate food waste here.)
Some meals just don’t leave over well, such as cream sauces on pasta. They don’t become very appetizing. For these types of meals, prepare only enough for the one meal.
Leftovers Can Save Time and Effort (GOOD)
Compared to the cream sauce disaster above, other meals, such as lasagna, get better the next day. So, when you don’t feel like cooking, have some planned leftovers with these types of meals.
Sometimes just keeping ingredients separate and then mixing them up fresh at each meal can make the meal appealing while saving you some effort.
Leftovers Can Reduce Your Lunch Costs (GOOD)
Let us face it, most of us get tired of taking cold sandwiches to work or to school. Some well-prepared leftovers can make a nice lunch, especially when you don’t quite have enough leftovers to make up a dinner meal.