Studies indicate that amid the Covid-19 pandemic, individuals have shifted their perspectives on food systems and food waste, recognising the significance of minimising food wastage. Have you observed any changes in your approach to food over the past year?
I have definitely altered my approach to minimising food waste and organising my grocery shopping more thoughtfully to ensure I purchase only what is necessary for the week. Additionally, I now limit my visits to the supermarket to once a week for a major shopping trip, whereas in the past year, I used to make smaller, more frequent trips every 2-3 days, and sometimes even daily.
Statistics indicate that approximately 35% of individuals reported a decrease in food wastage during the initial lockdown in March 2020, with 75% successfully maintaining this habit since then. Similarly, 32% of respondents, including myself, are dedicating more time to meal planning to ensure they purchase only what they require. Consequently, there is potential for a positive impact on the UK population if they continue to enhance their relationship with food and shopping habits. This shift not only benefits the food system but also aids in adhering to nutritious and well-balanced meals, as opposed to relying on takeout options. However, this holds true only if one incorporates healthy and balanced meals into their meal plans.
Additionally, individuals have discovered that they are reducing their monthly expenses on groceries, attributing this saving to their meal planning, utilization of leftovers, and cooking meals from scratch.
These are some suggestions to simplify the process of cooking from scratch:
Ensure you have essential ingredients commonly used in homemade meals, such as canned beans, canned chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, garlic, cooking oil, grains, pasta, and spices (recommended ones include cumin, paprika, mixed herbs, garlic powder, meat seasoning, curry spice, and cinnamon).
Allocate time for meal planning. Whether planning for the next few days or on a weekly basis, jotting down your meal plans helps ensure you have the necessary ingredients available.
While it may be a bit pricier, consider purchasing pre-cut vegetables, particularly from the freezer section, to expedite the preparation process and make it seem less daunting. Some essential freezer items I always have on hand are pre-diced garlic, ginger, chili, and coriander!
Prepare meals that can be enjoyed as tasty leftovers the following day. I often plan my dinners with the intention of having leftovers for lunch the next day. This approach encourages me to cook from scratch, knowing I'm not only preparing one meal but multiple meals. The same principle applies to batch cooking and freezing meals.
Stick to simple recipes with minimal ingredients. You might want to experiment with recipes from cookbooks that require only a few ingredients, such as Jamie Oliver's 5 Ingredients cookbook.
Cook your favourite dishes, foods that you enjoy, or meals that you know your family will love. This can help eliminate any reluctance to cook from scratch, as you know the outcome will be delicious and satisfying.
Save time by pre-cooking vegetables like potatoes and carrots in the microwave to reduce their cooking time. Then, you can sauté or roast them until they are nicely browned on the outside.
If possible, prepare dinner ingredients before starting your day, so that when you return home after a long day, cooking won't seem like a daunting task.
Certainly, another useful tool for preparing meals from scratch is a slow cooker. It's perfect for starting your dinner hours ahead of time so it's all set when you're ready to eat. However, I understand that not everyone owns a slow cooker or has the kitchen space to accommodate one!
Over time, your cooking skills will improve, and you will become less dependent on referring to a recipe. Additionally, you may find yourself becoming more adaptable with recipes, making adjustments to suit your preferences.
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