Posted on 04/08/2021 9:19:37 AM PDT by mylife
s putting leftovers into the fridge a useless endeavor? New research shows the majority of leftovers Americans cook winds up in the trash uneaten.
It’s not for lack of trying however, according to the new study. In fact, 61 percent say they always refrigerate their leftovers, but never get around to eating them.
The poll of 2,000 Americans asked respondents about their cooking habits and being a solo chef. Researchers find 66 percent say when they cook for themselves, they always accidentally end up making enough food to feed a family. It’s no wonder then that three in five respondents constantly feel like they’re wasting food when they fly solo in the kitchen.
Cooking solo has pros and cons cooking for oneConducted by OnePoll on behalf of Gilbert’s Craft Sausages, the survey reveals the hardest part of cooking for one is having the self control to even do it. Nearly half the poll (48%) say they constantly struggle with the urge to order delivery or takeout instead of cook.
Respondents also admit they feel like their food never stays hot enough by the time they sit down to eat (43%) or they feel too stressed after cooking the meal to truly enjoy it (38%). Forty-six percent say finding healthy options for single serve, ready-to-eat meals is another struggle they often face.
Cooking for one isn’t all bad though, as 66 percent of respondents say this is the perfect opportunity for them to have creative freedom in the kitchen. Nearly three in four Americans (73%) agree that a top perk of cooking for just themselves is being able to make their food exactly how they like it.
Conversely, when they cook for others, 64 percent feel like they always have to adapt
That’s kind of what I do. I cook big, and save the left overs for Friday/Saturday when I take a day or two off from cooking. Sometimes hubby and I go out, sometimes it’s left overs. I rarely throw anything out. Got vegetables getting soft? Throw them in a pot of water with some left over meat and make soup! Or, better yet, cut them into big chunks and roast them! Last night I made a big batch of vegetable curry with shrimp, had about a quart left over. Guess what’s on the menu in the next few days?
My wife’s cooking is so bad that I have grounds for legal action, but it might be said that I’m no bargain either.
If the idiot Pete B. gets his way & places a 25 cents per MILE tax on vehicles, GrubHub/Lyft/Uber will be gone.
BOL!
We give our stale leftovers to the chickens.
They give us fresh eggs in return.
Good trade.
Nothing wasted.
:)
Hope your retirement date is near.
Good points.
I could have written that post. We actually plan to have leftovers so that some nights we only have to reheat our dinner. We don't usually have leftovers from a meal on Monday until Wednesday.
In our house, the one, who cooks or grills does not clean up nor load the dishwasher.
The cook for that meal makes sure that the good left overs are put into the plastic containers or zip lock bags and put into the fridge or freezer.
Eventually,those leftovers in the fridge become science experiments. Then you can apply for a grant.
I’m in a somewhat similar situation - my mother died just before Christmas and I’m trying to empty her place and settle the estate. She wasn’t a prepper, but I was buying more food than normal during pandemic (I had to come and stay w/her because she was just diagnosed with cancer when the pandemic broke). I’ve got tons of lentils, pasta that I’ve been living on so far. And I also donated some to a local food pantry.
Even if a mileage tax is instituted, it’s not going to be 25 cents per mile any time soon. As for Grubhub and the rest, I’ve never used them and don’t ever plan to.
I've also learned to cook in proper proportions to how many are eating at my table.
I picked up a nice tri-tip cut it in 1/2 for future meals last a week or so
Exactamundo! I'm widowed, living solo. I'll buy a big package of chicken parts when on sale, then cook half the package, usually six pieces. Freeze individual wrapped in Saran wrap, then put into Ziploc bags. I write the date on the bag. Take one out at a time, and reheat. Just as good as when originally cooked.
All too true.
Leftovers are a feature, not a bug.
And how can so many Americans when cooking just for themselves have a hard time keeping the food hot? I mean, really?
I have no leftovers in my home currently. I like leftovers and usually eat them int he very next meal. I also don’t cook more than my family will be willing/able to eat.
The last time food went bad in my house was five years ago when our refrigerator died while we were traveling.
I do not understand people who waste food or anything else. I’m not insanely frugal, just not wasteful.
Exactly! I can’t sit down until the dishes are mostly done.
I don’t like to get up after my meal and start scrubbing pots.
If wake and find dirty dishes I will get ticked because I don’t go to bed with unwashed dishes in my kitchen,
I HATE waking in the morning and seeing dirty dishes, bad way to start a day.
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