Just the word ‘leftovers’ gives the suggestion of something unwanted, the remains. To some it symbolises a lack of wealth and prosperity, a need rather than a desire, and therefore something that’s undesired.
I have the total opposite feeling about leftovers, I LOVE them, you only have to take a look at my instagram feed to see that. When we are being bombarded by stories of excess waste and potential food shortages something needs to be done to encourage everyone to enjoy marking the most of all our food including the leftovers.
I actively plan my evening meals to ensure that there is enough for additional servings. If you check out my recipes most of them are for large portions so that I can either cook double and have tasty meals in the freezer, or portion the excess into bowls ready for lunches or last minute single suppers. I cook extra rice so I can make a tasty fried rice the following day, I cook extra potatoes so I can mash them for fritters or speedy roasties for tomorrows tea and of course, cook huge joints of meat so that we can enjoy it for days. I think there is nothing more satisfying than eating a cottage pie from the freezer, I enjoy it even more than the freshly made version.
Some people may think that they don’t have time to cook, and much less cook extra, but by cooking more every time I end up having to cook less in the long term. It takes me no longer to make two big Indian Style Cottage Pies, than it would to make just one. Then on one of those days when I know I’m going to be late home, and won’t have the time (or the inclination) to cook, I get the freezen one out in the morning, bung it in the oven when I get home, and by the time I’ve had a shower and changed into my comfy pants it’s a healthy and satisfying TV dinner. Zero effort but considerably more satisfying and cheaper than a takeout.
Spread the word, and love your leftovers.
Is weight an effective measure of health?
Time and time again I speak to people whose main aim and goal is to lose weight, because they think that by losing weight they will be happier and healthier.Stop thinking about the ‘goal’ weight and start thinking about how healthy you want to feel, because when you feel healthy you will find that you are less bothered about what the scales are saying. You will have more energy and vitality and, if you need to, you will lose weight. It’s a natural balance between being well fed and well nourished.
