How to Save $ on Your Food Bill by Not Wasting

Many times when families are looking for ways to save money on their food bill they look for big solutions, yet one of the easiest is right in front of them. By making a conscious effort not to waste food you can help trim your family food budget significantly. You can really make use of the food you have instead of seeing your hard earned money being thrown in the trash. All you need to do is follow these easy to do tips that will allow you to maximize the food you do purchase and help you to eliminate wasting food. So here is what you need to know about how to save money on your family food bill by not wasting food-

· Consciously work on not wasting food. Day after day you may be serving up basic staples (bread, rice, potatoes and pasta) at meal after meal, but often large amounts of these carbohydrates end up going straight in the trash. To save money you want to make sure that you are getting your portions right. It can be helpful to use a portion calculator to check and find a handy way to measure just the right amount. For example, a regular coffee mug full of rice will serve 4 adults. In addition there is a staggering amount of bread that goes to waste every day. If you enjoy hot buttered toast, keep a ready sliced loaf in the freezer which can go straight into the toaster when you want a piece. In addition large whole loaves of bread can be cut in half and one frozen for later in the week. You will be surprised how easy it is to save money just by being more careful with your carbs.

· Stretch your meals. You may be amazed at how many meals you can get from one chicken! For example: if you enjoy a roast on Sunday, the remains of the joint would make a great curry or a delicious risotto later in the week and you will always find enough for a sandwich. Keep in mind that the carcass can also be boiled up for stock and soups.

· Maximize your leftovers. If you have some dinner leftovers, bag it and pop it in the freezer as a “ready meal” for even one. Even the smallest amount can be pureed up for the baby or served as a kid’s portion for lunch the next day. Crusts and stale bread can be put in the food processor to make breadcrumbs which can be stored in the freezer. The same can be done with leftover cake or cookies and used as a topping for crumbles and puddings. Cut the bruises off old apples and you can use them in cooked dishes. And be sure not to throw out those black bananas; they make the best banana bread or pudding that your family will love.

· Remember your neighbors. Everyone is trying to save these days. Talk to your neighbors and if your family is looking for more variety (and does not always appreciate leftovers) make a plan to switch leftovers with a friend. Your neighbor’s family will be looking for variety as well and may just appreciate a fresh take in their kitchen.

Being crafty with your food is the easiest way to save those pennies and all it really means is thinking before you throw something out. With just a little bit of thought, you can create some delicious surprises from your leftovers and that does not have to mean second best. Making the most of every bit of food makes perfect financial sense.