Comments on: I Hate Leftovers: Fighting The Battle With Recycled Food … And Winning http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:44:30 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Laura http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-360186 Laura Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:30:37 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-360186 Another really late post for Rachel: Your friend might consider packing things she could eat at her desk right before lunchtime--carrot sticks, nuts, peanut butter sandwich, etc. Come lunchtime, she won't be that hungry and could order a small (albeit expensive) salad and water. This time might be better spent impressing the full partners with all her wonderful ideas (i.e. talking rather than eating) anyhow. Or she could really impress the boss by working through lunch. Another really late post for Rachel:

Your friend might consider packing things she could eat at her desk right before lunchtime–carrot sticks, nuts, peanut butter sandwich, etc. Come lunchtime, she won’t be that hungry and could order a small (albeit expensive) salad and water. This time might be better spent impressing the full partners with all her wonderful ideas (i.e. talking rather than eating) anyhow. Or she could really impress the boss by working through lunch.

]]> By: Schwamie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-323735 Schwamie Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:16:41 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-323735 This post is for Rachel (albeit very late): One idea for your friend is to have her talk with the Office Manager and have them set up a "Pot Luck" lunch once a month. Once that becomes successful, have her push it to be done every two weeks. While this will not fully eliminate the issue, it would at least eliminate two days a month of having to spend a large sum of money. This post is for Rachel (albeit very late):

One idea for your friend is to have her talk with the Office Manager and have them set up a “Pot Luck” lunch once a month. Once that becomes successful, have her push it to be done every two weeks. While this will not fully eliminate the issue, it would at least eliminate two days a month of having to spend a large sum of money.

]]> By: wendy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-206396 wendy Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:10:46 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-206396 One of my favorite left overs IS the boxed macaroni and cheese, refried in butter. Granted this isn't a weight watchers meal, but I like it that way. One of my favorite left overs IS the boxed macaroni and cheese, refried in butter. Granted this isn’t a weight watchers meal, but I like it that way.

]]> By: Karen W. http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-203182 Karen W. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:48:26 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-203182 Salads seem to be a nice lunch if you do not have a microwave. Also, I do most of my cooking on Saturdays and/or Sundays and stick food in freezer in portion sizes for the week. Salads seem to be a nice lunch if you do not have a microwave. Also, I do most of my cooking on Saturdays and/or Sundays and stick food in freezer in portion sizes for the week.

]]> By: Brenda W. http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-145575 Brenda W. Mon, 31 Dec 2007 14:41:18 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-145575 I pack a lunch every day, and have found that dishes with no animal products in them (no meat, dairy, or eggs) have two huge advantages for brown-bagging: 1)They keep incredibly well (meals will be just as fresh and good a week after being made) and 2)For whatever reason they actually taste better the next day and following (think chili and how that always seems to taste better the next day). Two great sources for finding animal free recipes are the blogs by Bryanna Clark Grogan (http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/) and Susan Voisin (http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/). As for transporting your meals, I have a selection of Ziploc's TableTop dishes (which, sadly, Ziploc no longer makes). This (http://stores.ebay.com/Glass-Addiction-Etc) ebay store always seems to have a good supply of them. They are leak/spill proof, have a domed lid so you even if you have say a nice slice of quiche, it's not going to get squished (yes .... you CAN make quiche without animal products!!) Additionally, those TableTop dishes are nice ... you feel you are eating off a nice set of dishes. I pack a lunch every day, and have found that dishes with no animal products in them (no meat, dairy, or eggs) have two huge advantages for brown-bagging: 1)They keep incredibly well (meals will be just as fresh and good a week after being made) and 2)For whatever reason they actually taste better the next day and following (think chili and how that always seems to taste better the next day).

Two great sources for finding animal free recipes are the blogs by Bryanna Clark Grogan (http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/) and Susan Voisin (http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/).

As for transporting your meals, I have a selection of Ziploc’s TableTop dishes (which, sadly, Ziploc no longer makes). This (http://stores.ebay.com/Glass-Addiction-Etc) ebay store always seems to have a good supply of them. They are leak/spill proof, have a domed lid so you even if you have say a nice slice of quiche, it’s not going to get squished (yes …. you CAN make quiche without animal products!!)

Additionally, those TableTop dishes are nice … you feel you are eating off a nice set of dishes.

]]> By: Rachael http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-123849 Rachael Sat, 01 Dec 2007 02:29:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-123849 I agree with Loubilou that daal and tabbouleh are better the next day, I only make them for a day or two later. Rachel mentioned how many people say they won't eat leftovers. But let me tell you from my experience in restaurant industry, everything you are eating is LEFTOVER!! To be sure that 'special of the day' is some crap that's just an hour away from the dumpster. A dear friend of mine is junior partner at her firm. She told me that getting ahead means adopting the wasteful habits of the higher-ups, such as lunch at over-hyped restaurants. She asked me for some ideas on how to change this situation, and I didn't have any ideas. Anyone? I agree with Loubilou that daal and tabbouleh are better the next day, I only make them for a day or two later.
Rachel mentioned how many people say they won’t eat leftovers. But let me tell you from my experience in restaurant industry, everything you are eating is LEFTOVER!! To be sure that ’special of the day’ is some crap that’s just an hour away from the dumpster.
A dear friend of mine is junior partner at her firm. She told me that getting ahead means adopting the wasteful habits of the higher-ups, such as lunch at over-hyped restaurants. She asked me for some ideas on how to change this situation, and I didn’t have any ideas. Anyone?

]]> By: PiFreak http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-120473 PiFreak Mon, 26 Nov 2007 01:59:19 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-120473 I've found that cold lasagna, or warm if you can, tastes great. Lasagna gets better with age, so if you make a well oversized one and freeze it in individual containers, that's 20 lunches, and if you have one a week, it doesn't get old. If you eat part of it, just refridgerate it. My family also has buffet days once a week or so. When we have enough leftovers, we just heat everything up, and everyone picks what they want. I’ve found that cold lasagna, or warm if you can, tastes great. Lasagna gets better with age, so if you make a well oversized one and freeze it in individual containers, that’s 20 lunches, and if you have one a week, it doesn’t get old. If you eat part of it, just refridgerate it. My family also has buffet days once a week or so. When we have enough leftovers, we just heat everything up, and everyone picks what they want.

]]> By: Marian http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-55339 Marian Thu, 09 Aug 2007 08:15:42 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-55339 I made a columned list with each member of my familys name at the top of each column. Then I listed all the foods each one of them likes. Afterward, I go grocery shopping and spend one weekend a month cooking and making our own "TV dinners". I pack them in 3 section sealable plates that are freezer to microwave to dishwasher safe, and label/date each one so everyone knows what is in each plate and how long it has been frozen. The following month, I fix something different and keep a check on what has already been eaten to see if it is something I need to fix again. Be sure to rotate any items still there from previous months so it will not get freezer burned. No savings there if it has to be thrown out. This saves a ton on electricity and time as it takes the same amount of time to cook a little as it does a lot. We use army pots that I bought at a surplus store. They are great for cooking large quantities. I made a columned list with each member of my familys name at the top of each column. Then I listed all the foods each one of them likes. Afterward, I go grocery shopping and spend one weekend a month cooking and making our own “TV dinners”. I pack them in 3 section sealable plates that are freezer to microwave to dishwasher safe, and label/date each one so everyone knows what is in each plate and how long it has been frozen. The following month, I fix something different and keep a check on what has already been eaten to see if it is something I need to fix again. Be sure to rotate any items still there from previous months so it will not get freezer burned. No savings there if it has to be thrown out. This saves a ton on electricity and time as it takes the same amount of time to cook a little as it does a lot. We use army pots that I bought at a surplus store. They are great for cooking large quantities.

]]> By: Kate http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-49522 Kate Tue, 24 Jul 2007 04:30:32 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-49522 If you buy a good thermos and then preheat it by filling it with boiling water and letting it sit for 10 minutes before pouring in your hot food, the food will stay warm until lunch. For me, having proper containers is key. My laptop lunchbox (http://www.laptoplunches.com) made taking a packed lunch fun, and it keeps even fragile or messy foods well protected. If you buy a good thermos and then preheat it by filling it with boiling water and letting it sit for 10 minutes before pouring in your hot food, the food will stay warm until lunch.

For me, having proper containers is key. My laptop lunchbox (http://www.laptoplunches.com) made taking a packed lunch fun, and it keeps even fragile or messy foods well protected.

]]> By: Roberta http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-33577 Roberta Sun, 10 Jun 2007 16:04:47 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-33577 I tend to nest, so I keep a lot of things at work, in a drawer and in the fridge. A container of <A href="http://www.janeskrazy.com/home.asp ">Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Salt</A> , some balsamic vinegar, mayo/mustard in the fridge... these are all things that bring leftovers to life. And I love when the office has a toaster oven (or a really good toaster). Bagels, rolls... I can make a yummier, fresher sandwich. When I'm not on a leftovers kick, It's ham & swiss for a week... and all of it brought in on Mondays... with fresh veggies, like sprouts and cabbage, to top it with. I might keep some bagels and cream cheese as well. All the things that stop me from 'stopping off' on the way to work, or going out to lunch. I tend to nest, so I keep a lot of things at work, in a drawer and in the fridge. A container of Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Salt
, some balsamic vinegar, mayo/mustard in the fridge… these are all things that bring leftovers to life.
And I love when the office has a toaster oven (or a really good toaster). Bagels, rolls… I can make a yummier, fresher sandwich. When I’m not on a leftovers kick, It’s ham & swiss for a week… and all of it brought in on Mondays… with fresh veggies, like sprouts and cabbage, to top it with. I might keep some bagels and cream cheese as well. All the things that stop me from ’stopping off’ on the way to work, or going out to lunch.

]]> By: Rachel http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-32529 Rachel Thu, 07 Jun 2007 00:34:38 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-32529 This is something I hear all the time, " we don't eat leftovers." And it is something I do not understand. Why would you throw perfectly good food away?! It just goes against my grain. I think anything leftover can be made edible. I never like reheated box mac n cheese, but I have found that adding a little milk and a handful of grated cheese makes it really good! Years ago I read an autobiography by the woman who helped to hide Anne Frank and her family in the attic. She also hid people in her home, and she had to help feed them all. She said that sometimes she would ride her back out into the countryside and return 8 hours later with only a handful of carrots! This made me even more determined to not be wasteful. We are definitely a very spoiled country! This is something I hear all the time, ” we don’t eat leftovers.” And it is something I do not understand. Why would you throw perfectly good food away?! It just goes against my grain. I think anything leftover can be made edible. I never like reheated box mac n cheese, but I have found that adding a little milk and a handful of grated cheese makes it really good! Years ago I read an autobiography by the woman who helped to hide Anne Frank and her family in the attic. She also hid people in her home, and she had to help feed them all. She said that sometimes she would ride her back out into the countryside and return 8 hours later with only a handful of carrots! This made me even more determined to not be wasteful. We are definitely a very spoiled country!

]]> By: Ben http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-32515 Ben Wed, 06 Jun 2007 23:26:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-32515 I'm a big fan of leftovers but not a big fan of reheating in the microwave. The only dish I reheat is soup. I'm the only person I know who can eat leftover casseroles, stews, pasta dishes, risottos etc cold. Leftovers are better than the overpriced and overheated foods I can but at work. I’m a big fan of leftovers but not a big fan of reheating in the microwave. The only dish I reheat is soup. I’m the only person I know who can eat leftover casseroles, stews, pasta dishes, risottos etc cold. Leftovers are better than the overpriced and overheated foods I can but at work.

]]> By: Crys http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-32388 Crys Wed, 06 Jun 2007 16:08:04 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-32388 I've been avid about switching to home lunches for a while now. I don't always have one ready, but when I do, I usually cook it the night before. I have saved several of the black plastic dishes with the clear lid that you get form Chinese or Indian food places, and use those to carry my meals in. It recycles them and they are great for a portioned lunch. I think preparing it the night before is what makes it easiest. No one wants to rush to get a decent lunch before work, and perhaps that's why they don't. I’ve been avid about switching to home lunches for a while now. I don’t always have one ready, but when I do, I usually cook it the night before.

I have saved several of the black plastic dishes with the clear lid that you get form Chinese or Indian food places, and use those to carry my meals in. It recycles them and they are great for a portioned lunch.

I think preparing it the night before is what makes it easiest. No one wants to rush to get a decent lunch before work, and perhaps that’s why they don’t.

]]> By: Stephen http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-32387 Stephen Wed, 06 Jun 2007 16:07:26 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-32387 I would starve if we did not have a microwave at work. I bring in left overs to work every single day. I love leftovers.....well most of them, there are a few that I find do not reheat well. But oh well, it saves me a ton of cash from not going out to lunch everyday. I would starve if we did not have a microwave at work. I bring in left overs to work every single day. I love leftovers…..well most of them, there are a few that I find do not reheat well. But oh well, it saves me a ton of cash from not going out to lunch everyday.

]]> By: Kris http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-31947 Kris Tue, 05 Jun 2007 04:06:34 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-31947 Microwaves are essentially commodity items now. You can buy second hand microwaves that are only a few years old and in perfect condition for $10 at garage sales, on craigslist, etc. Microwaves are essentially commodity items now. You can buy second hand microwaves that are only a few years old and in perfect condition for $10 at garage sales, on craigslist, etc.

]]> By: mary http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-9906 mary Fri, 09 Mar 2007 18:39:49 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-9906 Several of us pitched in and bought a microwave for our office. We found a small one on sale - you can find one that will reheat your lunch for around $55 at Target or Walmart. I'm another fan of leftovers - I think gumbo and jambalaya taste better the next day. Any thick spicy soup will be great! Several of us pitched in and bought a microwave for our office. We found a small one on sale – you can find one that will reheat your lunch for around $55 at Target or Walmart.

I’m another fan of leftovers – I think gumbo and jambalaya taste better the next day. Any thick spicy soup will be great!

]]> By: Patrick Krieger http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-7724 Patrick Krieger Mon, 26 Feb 2007 04:42:20 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-7724 For those who want warm food without a microwave, invest in one of those mini-ice chests and an unglazed teracotta tile the size of the bottom (it can be bought or broken off a big one.) Wrap the tile in foil and put it in the oven at 250 - 300 while you are getting ready in the morning. Drop it in the cooler, set your food on top, and go about your day. Just make sure you don't get the tile too hot or you'll melt the bottom of the chest. For those who want warm food without a microwave, invest in one of those mini-ice chests and an unglazed teracotta tile the size of the bottom (it can be bought or broken off a big one.) Wrap the tile in foil and put it in the oven at 250 – 300 while you are getting ready in the morning. Drop it in the cooler, set your food on top, and go about your day. Just make sure you don’t get the tile too hot or you’ll melt the bottom of the chest.

]]> By: Ben http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-7040 Ben Wed, 21 Feb 2007 02:31:35 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-7040 The last point about saving time lining up for geasy food is so true. The combination of using leftovers and packing salads or sandich fillings saves me just under two and a half hours per week. It also reduces lunch costs by 65% over the year. The last point about saving time lining up for geasy food is so true. The combination of using leftovers and packing salads or sandich fillings saves me just under two and a half hours per week. It also reduces lunch costs by 65% over the year.

]]> By: Loubilou http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-6077 Loubilou Mon, 12 Feb 2007 12:23:44 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-6077 There are several foods that actually taste better the next day, and are ideal for leftovers. Some of my favourites are: dal (if you use fresh chilli this seems spicier on day 2), chowder (the flavour seems to develop and blend better overnight), tabbouleh (again the flavours of the spices seem to blend and get stronger if left in the fridge overnight) There are several foods that actually taste better the next day, and are ideal for leftovers. Some of my favourites are: dal (if you use fresh chilli this seems spicier on day 2), chowder (the flavour seems to develop and blend better overnight), tabbouleh (again the flavours of the spices seem to blend and get stronger if left in the fridge overnight)

]]> By: sfmoneygal http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/comment-page-1/#comment-5488 sfmoneygal Wed, 07 Feb 2007 04:52:45 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/01/04/i-hate-leftovers-fighting-the-battle-with-recycled-food-and-winning/#comment-5488 I bring mostly sandwiches, peanut butter to work or rice and some vegetables to make it really easy because soups just get messy in my bag as I'm walking to work, or making subway style sandwiches at home like tuna or ham and cheese with lettuce. It's amazing how cheap it is to prepare lunch in advance. Once in awhile I'll go to Subway or another deli but even a Subway sandwich is like $3 for a basic one. It costs way less for me to replicate something similar. And it's much healthier since I don't put mayo and I use sprouted wheat bread. You should do a cooking blog or maybe have some tips on how to chop and cook certain vegetables. I bought some red swiss chard that I'm trying to figure out what to cook with or if I even eat it raw. Still learning the cooking part ... I bring mostly sandwiches, peanut butter to work or rice and some vegetables to make it really easy because soups just get messy in my bag as I’m walking to work, or making subway style sandwiches at home like tuna or ham and cheese with lettuce.

It’s amazing how cheap it is to prepare lunch in advance. Once in awhile I’ll go to Subway or another deli but even a Subway sandwich is like $3 for a basic one. It costs way less for me to replicate something similar. And it’s much healthier since I don’t put mayo and I use sprouted wheat bread.

You should do a cooking blog or maybe have some tips on how to chop and cook certain vegetables. I bought some red swiss chard that I’m trying to figure out what to cook with or if I even eat it raw. Still learning the cooking part …

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