Three Reasons to Eat Leftovers

Three Reasons to Eat Leftovers

Leftovers taste good. Often, flavors are deeper. With Thanksgiving around the corner, start planning your second taste now. When you store leftovers, be sure to refrigerate them in proper containers and to heat before you enjoy them the second time around.  As a general rule, don't keep leftovers more than 4 days.

1. Eat less.  

If you're a fan of take out, then you know the portions today are bigger than your fist*.  This is because our plates are bigger than they were 20 years ago. The fact is, most of us overeat because the food is there to consume. The next time you have take-out, before you start eating, put half away for another day.  The next time you prepare a meal that has over-sized portions, slim it down and save those goodies for another day.

2. Save time and money.

Spend less time grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning up.  Chances are you work hard and are often too tired at dinner time to focus on portion size or even home cooking. Once a week, make a meal (roast chicken, lasagna, hearty soup or stew) that can be a source of healthy eating for more than one meal. Divide it up by portions and then, know when you come home tired, the work is done and a healthy delicious meal is waiting for you.

3. Health Benefits.

Food is live nutrition. That's why we seek fresh food. Always smell your leftovers to make sure they are fresh. Then, enjoy the ease and benefit of a precooked meal.  

• Interesting fact: Recent studies show that reheated pasta is better for you. Why? While cooled pasta has just as many calories as freshly cooked hot pasta, the starches become more resistant, which means lower levels of glucose, which keeps blood sugar in check.

Some people balk at the 'thought' of eating leftovers. If someone in your home feels this way, add something extra for the second round, such as a fresh ingredient or different spices. It's easy to turn a stew into a curry and just as simple to make chicken hash or a pasta dish using leftover roast chicken.

Pizza freezes well and is a nutritious leftover for when there is no time or desire to cook.

 

*Eating portions the size of your fist is considered best for staying our optimum weight. In fact, when your stomach is empty, it is the size of your fist!

#janebernard