Food is considered to be one of the basic needs of human beings. In fact, a huge percentage of a family’s expenses is allocated into food budget. The United States Department of Agriculture stated that an average family with at least four members usually spends 700 to a thousand dollars per month on food. It’s a big amount and yet the sad thing is that most families also produce 40% food waste each month. One way to reduce food waste is to make sure that what you put into the table is something that everyone in the family will surely love.
Meal planning is important especially if you’re adhering to a certain type of dietary lifestyle. If you’re into carnivore diet, then you should definitely read this article. Also, if you are looking for a tasty remedy to reduce food waste through efficient meal plans then check this out.
Meal Plan No. 1
Lemon-Mustard Pork + Potato Wedges with Parmesan Cheese
Lemon-Mustard Pork
Preheat the oven to 425°. Combine mustard, lemon zest, pepper, and minced garlic like those from Spice World Inc. Gradually whisk the mixture in oil. Set aside 1 tbsp of mixture for brushing the pork. Place the pork chops in a pan coated with oil. Brush the pork with your reserved mixture. Roast the pork for 10 mins. Serve cooked pork with lemon-mustard mixture.
Potato Wedges with Parmesan Cheese
Preheat the oven to 400°. Combine garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, dried oregano and garlic powder. Cut the potatoes into eight lengthwise wedges. Place these potatoes in a pan lined with parchment paper. Oil the pan. Sprinkle the mixture on the potatoes. Bake for 30 mins.
Meal Plan No. 2
Sweet and Sour Brisket + Fluffy Rice
Sweet and Sour Brisket
Combine thinly sliced onion, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, raisins, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour half of the mixture in the pressure cooker. Rub your beef brisket with salt and pepper. Transfer the meat to the pressure cooker. Pour the remaining mixture on top. Lock the lid and wait for 1 hour and 25 mins. Release the pressure naturally for 10 mins when the cooking is done. Then quick release all the remaining pressure. Transfer the meat to a serving platter. Thinly slice and serve it with the cooked mixture.
Fluffy Rice
Boil water in a pan and add salt. Pour in the rice. Stir the rice once to separate them. Do not over stir because it might cause the rice to become sticky. Cover the pot and turn the heat to low. Let the rice simmer for 15 mins and remove the pan from the heat. Allow the rice to sit for 5 mins allowing the steam to come out gradually. Fluff the rice with fork before serving.
Meal Plan No. 3
Bacon and Pork Chops with Swiss Cheese + Mashed Potatoes
Bacon and Pork Chops with Swiss Cheese
Coat your nonstick skillet with a cooking spray. Cook the onion and bacon on medium heat until the bacon becomes crisp. Discard the drippings and drain the bacon on paper towels. Sprinkle the pork chops with salt and garlic powder. Add the pork to the same pan with the bacon. Cook the pork over medium heat for 4 mins on each side. Top the pork with bacon and Swiss cheese. Cover and cook on low heat for 2 mins to melt the cheese. Let it sit for 5 mins before serving.
Mashed Potatoes
Boil potatoes and cook around 15 mins until it becomes tender. Drain and set aside. In a saucepan, stir butter and milk together on a low heat until they are well combined. Mash the potatoes using an electric beater or potato masher. Gradually blend the mixture into the potatoes until it becomes smooth and creamy. Add in the salt and pepper before serving.
Meal planning can indeed make a big difference not just in your monthly food budget. But, it also greatly reduces food waste while it ensures that you and your family adheres to your dietary preferences on a daily basis.