Hey there Reader,
I’m keeping it short and sweet this week because I’ve got some great stuff to share with you below!
Before we dive in, a quick reminder about Mocktails & Meal Prep happening this Sunday, November 17th. If you haven’t joined yet, now’s your chance! If that date doesn’t work, I’ll also be hosting another session on Sunday, December 15th. This month’s recipes are 🔥, including a fun twist on the usual pulled pork—Birria tacos.
Now, let’s get into this week’s Sizzle, Crunch, Scoop:
- SIZZLE: Must-try cooking hack that'll save you time, energy, and money.
- CRUNCH: Inspirational boost to keep you motivated for the rest of the week.
- SCOOP: Latest scoop on a trending nutrition topic + insights from your fave dietitian ;)
SIZZLE 🍳
Healthy Eating Meets Money-Saving: Tips to Reduce Food Waste
A recent report from Second Harvest shared that nearly half of all food produced in Canada—46.5 percent—is tossed every year. —46.5 percent—is tossed each year. That’s about $58 billion worth of food, with 41 percent of this waste totally avoidable! Eeeek!
While I'm sure the food and restaurant industry has a big role here, we can all make small changes that add up.
Food waste isn’t just an environmental issue; it hits your wallets too. Every time you throw food away, you're losing money. My approach with Cooking with Cat is all about easy, practical ways to make the most of what’s in your kitchen. With a few strategies, you can keep food fresh, make quick meals, and say goodbye to that “forgotten fridge find.”
Here are some QUICK ways to start saving BIG:
- Smart Ingredient Prep: Prep flexible ingredients instead of rigid meals, so you can mix and match throughout the week instead of staring at that yucky leftover you're not in the mood for anymore.
- Repurpose Leftovers: Extra veggies or grain? Throw them into a stir-fry. Leftover protein? It’s perfect in a salad the next day.
- Give Scraps a Second Life: Save veggie peels and bones for homemade stock, or add a parmesan rind to your next soup for extra flavour.
- Strategic Pantry Stocking: Building a strategic pantry, fridge, and freezer with the right essentials means you always have something to throw together without overstocking . And remember the FIFO rule—first in, first out—to make sure nothing goes to waste!
CRUNCH 🍿
Are You Up for the Challenge?
Now that we know the impact of food waste, let’s take action! Here’s a simple challenge to help you save money, simplify your meal planning, and cut down on food waste: choose one area—your fridge, freezer, or pantry—and do a quick inventory. Look at what’s in there, and pick 1 to 3 ingredients you’d like to use up in the next couple of weeks.
|
|
Need a little extra support? Download my Ultimate Grocery Staple List & Zero Food Waste Guide for a curated list of pantry, fridge, and freezer essentials across all food groups. This guide also includes tips on choosing longer-lasting options so you can create balanced meals and reduce waste at the same time.
|
Try it out, and let’s see how much how much food (and money!) you save. Are you up for the challenge, Reader?
SCOOP 🍦
Meal Kits vs. Cooking from Scratch: What’s Best for You?
Meal kits are convenient, no doubt. But when you factor in cost, flexibility, and the ability to customize meals for your family’s needs, cooking from scratch has clear advantages. Meal kits don’t always allow you to adjust portions easily (hello, no leftovers?) and can be pricier.
|
|
That’s where the in-between approach comes in. You can enjoy the benefits of cooking from scratch—customizing meals and sticking to your budget—while still having a meal plan and support. I can help you find the sweet spot: a flexible system that fits your needs, makes meal prep easier, and keeps you on track for healthy eating.
There’s balance in having structure without losing the freedom to make meals your own. And hey, some days you’ll need convenience, and that’s okay. But if you find yourself leaning on it more than you’d like, I’m here to help you make a shift that works for you.
|
Let’s find the right approach! As always, feel free to shoot me an email if you have questions or need support.
Stay well,
​
​