Tired of throwing away leftovers?  Follow these tips to ensure your leftovers don’t go to waste:

Tip 1: Date your leftovers.

• Use plastic bags and a marker
• Use plastic containers and a post-it-note
• Did you eat out?  Ask your server to date the box, or do it yourself before putting it in the fridge.

Select whatever method works for you.  Just be sure to date the items.

Tip 2: Add your leftover items to your Weekly Meal Planner.

If it’s on your weekly menu, you’ll be more apt to eat it.

Tip 3: Set aside a designated area in your refrigerator to store all leftovers.

I put a small white bin in my fridge.  All of the leftovers are in the bin.  I found it at Walmart, and it has been so helpful.  It’s easy to grab the leftovers when you know exactly where they are. 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Large-Storage-Basket-with-Handle-White/16224501

The day before trash pick-up I clean out the fridge.  Anything over 4 days old gets tossed.

Note on Food Safety: According to the FDA, you can keep cooked meat and meat dishes for 3-4 days.  Gravy and meat broth, however, should only be kept for 1-2 days.  For more information about food storage safety, check out the FDA’s Refrigerator and Freezer Storage Chart:

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/ResourcesForYou/HealthEducators/UCM109315.pdf

As always, “When in doubt, throw it out.”

Did you see our article on planning your weekly meals? Click below to read:

What’s For Dinner Tonight?  The Importance of Weekly Meal Planning