Throwing food away?

76wendyful
76wendyful Posts: 202
edited October 6 in Food and Nutrition
I am trying to figure out a way to get past the bad feeling of throwing food away. I have read that you should eat slowly and eat until you are about 80% full (I am not sure how accurate this is) but then stop because it takes time for your brain to register that you are full. This has been working for me, however I feel bad when I throw food away. If it is enough to keep as leftovers or something then I do usually package it and eat it the following day, but sometimes it is not worth it. Should I just get over it and move on? I was a member of the clean plate club so you can understand why it is hard for me to do this. I should probably just put less on my plate to begin with and then if I am really hungry 20 minutes after I am done eating I can always have more, right?
«1

Replies

  • karenhs2
    karenhs2 Posts: 197
    Try to identify exactly what bothers you the most about throwing food away so that you can counteract it effectively.

    For example, if it is about wasting money, think about the costs associated with being overweight (there are so many!).

    if it is about being green, start composting.

    If it is about starving children in Africa, have a heart to heart with yourself about how, unfortunately, the food left on your plate is not taking food away from them. If only...

    The whole "clean your plate" had good intentions but if you live in the US of A, you are surrounded by food. Our bodies were meant for a harsher environment where food is not nearly so plentiful and rich.

    Do whatever you have to do. Yes, just get over it and yes, it sounds like it would be a good plan for you to take smaller portions to begin with.
  • karenhs2
    karenhs2 Posts: 197
    That came out a little harsher than I meant it!!
  • HMonsterX
    HMonsterX Posts: 3,000 Member
    Instead of having 400g of something and throwing 20% away, why not just cook 350g in the first place, and eat it all?

    I've never understood that stupid "stop when 80% full" thing. Just make less to begin with!
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    Could you get a smaller plate and then eat it all?
  • Mmmary212
    Mmmary212 Posts: 410 Member
    One should feel bad IMO about throwing food away...we're a wasteful society and it's too bad....I dont think food should ever be thrown away (unless it goes bad, then you have no choice, but that too can be prevented)....make less/take less...refrigerate/freeze what you don't eat, save it for later I just cant imagine being wasteful, especially since I have kids.... Heck, I save the bones from all meats and boil them in water and then drink the goodness after that, then throw the bones away. I'm even going to start using my egg shells for calcium.
  • 76wendyful
    76wendyful Posts: 202
    That came out a little harsher than I meant it!!
    No worries. I appreciate the honest reply.
  • 76wendyful
    76wendyful Posts: 202
    One should feel bad IMO about throwing food away...we're a wasteful society and it's too bad....I dont think food should ever be thrown away (unless it goes bad, then you have no choice, but that too can be prevented)....make less/take less...refrigerate/freeze what you don't eat, save it for later I just cant imagine being wasteful, especially since I have kids.... Heck, I save the bones from all meats and boil them in water and then drink the goodness after that, then throw the bones away. I'm even going to start using my egg shells for calcium.
    Taking this into consideration, my choice would be to just take less to begin with. I too, have 4 children and a husband at home. The food would not go to waste. It would be what was left on my plate that would be in question.
  • courtskey83
    courtskey83 Posts: 23
    Would you rather it go to waste, or to waist? I ask myself this and try to just give myself tiny portions and then get more if I need to. Either the trash/leftover bucket (whatever) gets the extra calories, or you do. Personally, if I am full that is it... I'd rather see it go to waste than me be uncomfortably full and eventually a few lbs heavier. It isn't worth the savings to me, and I am pretty much the most frugal person I know.
  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    I used to be in the same boat! If there was still food on my plate, I had to finish it! My brother & I were both like that because we were raised to eat everything off our plate otherwise we had to eat it for breakfast.

    I've found that just using a smaller plate with an appropriate portion size will eliminate the problem. I also take smaller bites, chew longer, & repeatedly put my fork down to drink water. This helps me eat slower and allows me to realize when I'm full so there is less chance of overeating. Because it does take your body about 20 minutes before it realizes that it is full. At least for me. :) Hope this helps!
  • Mmmary212
    Mmmary212 Posts: 410 Member
    One should feel bad IMO about throwing food away...we're a wasteful society and it's too bad....I dont think food should ever be thrown away (unless it goes bad, then you have no choice, but that too can be prevented)....make less/take less...refrigerate/freeze what you don't eat, save it for later I just cant imagine being wasteful, especially since I have kids.... Heck, I save the bones from all meats and boil them in water and then drink the goodness after that, then throw the bones away. I'm even going to start using my egg shells for calcium.
    Taking this into consideration, my choice would be to just take less to begin with. I too, have 4 children and a husband at home. The food would not go to waste. It would be what was left on my plate that would be in question.

    Ah, then I second the idea to use a small plate and take less than what you think you think you want...then I bet you'll finish what you have, feel satisfied and have no waste :)
  • 76wendyful
    76wendyful Posts: 202
    One should feel bad IMO about throwing food away...we're a wasteful society and it's too bad....I dont think food should ever be thrown away (unless it goes bad, then you have no choice, but that too can be prevented)....make less/take less...refrigerate/freeze what you don't eat, save it for later I just cant imagine being wasteful, especially since I have kids.... Heck, I save the bones from all meats and boil them in water and then drink the goodness after that, then throw the bones away. I'm even going to start using my egg shells for calcium.
    Taking this into consideration, my choice would be to just take less to begin with. I too, have 4 children and a husband at home. The food would not go to waste. It would be what was left on my plate that would be in question.

    Ah, then I second the idea to use a small plate and take less than what you think you think you want...then I bet you'll finish what you have, feel satisfied and have no waste :)
    Sounds like a plan!
  • 76wendyful
    76wendyful Posts: 202
    Thanks everyone. I am going to try the smaller plate. I think that may help.
  • Rilke
    Rilke Posts: 1,201 Member
    Instead of having 400g of something and throwing 20% away, why not just cook 350g in the first place, and eat it all?

    I've never understood that stupid "stop when 80% full" thing. Just make less to begin with!

    It isn't stupid, and it isn't about what's on your plate. It's about listening to your body. Not "eat 80% of your meal" . . . but be intuitive about your fullness level and stop when you feel 80% full.
  • savlyon
    savlyon Posts: 474 Member
    Definitely...smaller plate! That is what I have been doing. I'm the same way, I have to clean my plate. Also, I dish the food at the stove instead of having it on the table. When I get up I'm more likely to put the extras in containers for leftovers as opposed to eating more. I like to plan out my meals. If I make 2 chicken breasts, usually I have a plan to put that second one in a salad the next day. If I eat it tonight (even though I think I'm still hungry) I won't have enough for the salad tomorrow.

    Also...some things you need to learn to throw away. Things like cake and cookies and candy. I was proud of myself recently when I tossed the leftover birthday cake in the trash. That was a lot of cake, but did I need it? Does anyone else really need it? NO, so don't give it away. Throw it away.
  • Troll
    Troll Posts: 922 Member
    omg, i get crazy when people throw away food (my inlaws throw away thousands of dollars in food monthly, and i die a little inside) i eat off of small plates or just put one serving, measured out, on my plate. If im still hungry, i get more. That helps. otherwise i save leftovers
  • UnderCoverShyGirl
    UnderCoverShyGirl Posts: 254 Member
    oh i'm struggling hard with this myself. I find myself always dishing out the same portion size and i will eat until it is gone, as i just can't waste the food.....and i know there is no logic and it must be some psyche thing compelling me to get as much as i can and hoard it like it's the last supper. Am definately going to try a smaller plate. Keep thinking i can dish out my usual and then scoop half off the plate into a leftover box for lunch the next day, but somehow it just feels wrong and like i'm going to miss something or be deprived. Argh, i hate that we have things inside our brain that push us into maintaining these types of things...makes it so much more work to get rid of, but i suppose we'll get used to it at some point!
  • vytamindi
    vytamindi Posts: 845 Member
    Have you heard of Bento making? It's totally great if you have leftovers, and is a good way to portion control your lunches on the go as well as offering small portions of great variety!
  • Denimgirl
    Denimgirl Posts: 87 Member
    I have found eating off of a dessert plate helps me so much. I too feel guilty to leave food on my plate. I was raised to "clean my plate" and it is harder to root out early childhood training.

    So when at home, most times I will get a dessert plate and fill it. It is usually just the right amount. It is a full dessert plate though. :)
  • staceyGO
    staceyGO Posts: 376
    Use a smaller plate, measure out smaller portions... and then get over it. Rather the food be in the garbage than on your *kitten* haha!
  • 76wendyful
    76wendyful Posts: 202
    oh i'm struggling hard with this myself. I find myself always dishing out the same portion size and i will eat until it is gone, as i just can't waste the food.....and i know there is no logic and it must be some psyche thing compelling me to get as much as i can and hoard it like it's the last supper. Am definately going to try a smaller plate. Keep thinking i can dish out my usual and then scoop half off the plate into a leftover box for lunch the next day, but somehow it just feels wrong and like i'm going to miss something or be deprived. Argh, i hate that we have things inside our brain that push us into maintaining these types of things...makes it so much more work to get rid of, but i suppose we'll get used to it at some point!
    You hit another point on the nose! When I am having something that I love...mashed potatoes for instance....I think I will never have it again so I eat so much I get sick. I need to get a handle on my brain!
  • 76wendyful
    76wendyful Posts: 202
    Have you heard of Bento making? It's totally great if you have leftovers, and is a good way to portion control your lunches on the go as well as offering small portions of great variety!
    I will have to check it out. Thanks!
  • pornstarzombie
    pornstarzombie Posts: 297
    I was raised to clean my plate.

    These days, since I live alone, I just make enough for one serving. And I usually leave it at that, because I don't feel like taking the time to make another serving. However, I eat easy foods.

    Or if I do make a big batch of something, I put each serving in it's own container and just grab one of those. :) It is very hard to throw food away, especially being as expensive as it is. I'm on a very, very tight budget so I die a little inside when I toss stuff.
  • HMonsterX
    HMonsterX Posts: 3,000 Member
    Instead of having 400g of something and throwing 20% away, why not just cook 350g in the first place, and eat it all?

    I've never understood that stupid "stop when 80% full" thing. Just make less to begin with!

    It isn't stupid, and it isn't about what's on your plate. It's about listening to your body. Not "eat 80% of your meal" . . . but be intuitive about your fullness level and stop when you feel 80% full.

    Surely you know when preparing your food how much you would normally have. Therefore, instead of doing a childish thing of cooking the same amount, and wasting some, just cook less of it! It's not hard! You eat the same, but you waste none, don't end up tempting yourself to eat more, nor do you get the feeling of deprivation when you have to stop eating!

    IMO, it IS stupid and pointless. :)
  • dlyeates
    dlyeates Posts: 875 Member
    I was part of the clean plate club too!!! I still am and I admit it. But I make sure that it's okay to clean my plate. I portion out my meal based on my calories in the kitchen (measure veggies, potatoes/pasta, and meat) and that is all I'm allowed to eat. And I do clean my plate because those are the calories I'm allotted.

    When I go out to eat I make sure I know the calories and eat just enough for those calories.

    And I also understand feeling guilty about throwing food away....I did too. I felt like it was a huge waste. Then I read a book called The Weigh Down Diet (eating when hungry, stopping when full, etc) and I remember something that was in there (totally paraphrasing):

    You have to choose what to do with the extra food. Do you want to "waste" it by throwing it away or do you want to "waste" it by putting it in your body when it's not needed and then it ends up on your waist. So either way it's a waste!!

    I'd rather waste it by throwing it away and not putting it on my body.
  • NiciS72
    NiciS72 Posts: 1,043 Member
    I honestly don't have this guilt anymore. The main reason is I RARELY throw out food anymore. Now that I plan my meals and measure everything we eat 99% of what we buy. That said I know it doesn't help you. How about instead of throwing it away you package it up for leftovers. A little of this and that will make a whole meal after two or three days. I also choose recipes purposely that have 4+ servings so I can prepare the meal for dinner and have 2 servings left for lunch the next day. I portion everything out when I'm done cooking so we only eat what we are supposed to and put the extra servings in their own container for my husband and I.Try doing that and see if it helps. I can't tell you the last time I had actual good food left on my plate that I threw away. The other night it was just the fat from the end of the pork roast that went in the trash!

    Oh, and the small lunch plate helps A LOT!
  • crazycat80
    crazycat80 Posts: 121 Member
    omg, i get crazy when people throw away food (my inlaws throw away thousands of dollars in food monthly, and i die a little inside) i eat off of small plates or just put one serving, measured out, on my plate. If im still hungry, i get more. That helps. otherwise i save leftovers

    My parents are the same way and it especially drives me crazy since my mom keeps the temp at 65 in the winter and 85 in the summer to conserve energy. And brags about the tons of other small things she's doing to cut costs. Then I watch her pitch a 1/2 pan of lasagna. Ugh. Anyway, about the original post. We totally do the small plate thing. We also box up a portion of the meal as soon as it's done to kill temption. And if the leftovers are small amounts, we've purchased various storage container sizes to accommodate. Sometimes it's fun to hodge podge a lunch together with a few days of all these little amounts items...
  • CharityEaton
    CharityEaton Posts: 499 Member
    I cook less now, use a smaller plate for myself and we have a one night a week "Clean out the fridge" night. We keep everything leftover until Thursday night. Even if it is one small portion of veggies or half a can of soup. Everyone has to choose one item out of the fridge before they can add a "new" item to their meal. Makes a great night off from cooking for me, cleans the fridge, let's the kids choose a very creative meal, uses leftovers, eliminates the waste problem too. Any fruit and veggie scraps go to our chickens.
  • dlyeates
    dlyeates Posts: 875 Member
    I cook less now, use a smaller plate for myself and we have a one night a week "Clean out the fridge" night. We keep everything leftover until Thursday night. Even if it is one small portion of veggies or half a can of soup. Everyone has to choose one item out of the fridge before they can add a "new" item to their meal. Makes a great night off from cooking for me, cleans the fridge, let's the kids choose a very creative meal, uses leftovers, eliminates the waste problem too. Any fruit and veggie scraps go to our chickens.


    Oooooh. I like this idea!!!!
  • GouchisGirl
    GouchisGirl Posts: 321 Member
    There should never really be a reason to throw food away unless it has gone bad. I'm sure by now you know how much you should eat.... eating until your are almost full can backfire in the calorie dept big time.... although in your defense you said it is working for you. So, with that being said you should know approx. how much food it will take you to get to that point. Only cook that much so you won't have to throw any away OR cook double that amount so you won't have to cook the next day. :) Just make sure you put the extras in the fridge or feezer right away. Keep up the great work. :)
  • asyouseefit
    asyouseefit Posts: 1,265 Member
    I keep leftovers, no matter how little of them. If there's not enough to make a whole meal, I complete with a salad!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories