Freezer Friday & Four tips to maximize your fridge

Happy Friday!  I'm going to keep this short and sweet just like how the day before the weekend should be.  And I also need to get back to my computer work... aka scrolling local restaurant menus to decide what's for dinner tonight. What's your favorite takeout? I'm pretty indifferent because 1) it's food and 2) I don't have to make it!

With the weekend approaching, it's easy to get a bit lazy in the kitchen. I know. I, too, would forget about leftover food in the fridge and come Monday, I'd play a game called "what's inside this container." Not always the most pleasant way to start a new week. But I've got a good system down now.  And I'd like to introduce to you my strategy, "Freezer Friday." 

With four easy steps you can quickly maximize what's in your fridge.  Follow this each week and you'll reduce waste, keep your frozen foods fresh and stocked all while forming meal prep ideas and creating your shopping list. 

You know what I say to that? TGIF!!

Four tips to maximize your fridge

1. What do I need to use?

Ask yourself this as you look high and low (and behind items) in your fridge. Do you have fresh veggies lingering in a container from earlier in the week? Think of ways you can use them over the weekend.  Examples include the following: throw in scrambled eggs on Saturday morning, toss into pasta salad on Sunday or even sprinkle on top of a frozen pizza tonight.  

Taking a quick inventory minimizes the chances of them getting pushed to the back only to discover the smell a couple weeks later.  And if you don't think you might use an item, jump to step 2. 

2. What can I put in my freezer?

This is my favorite step (hence the name, "Freezer Friday"). Make your freezer your best friend. Keep freezer storage bags on hand, and toss whatever in it (labeling it, of course). Do you have a couple servings of lasagna left? Put it in the freezer. After you look in containers, open up the veggie and fruit bins. Is your fresh spinach starting to go? Put it in the freezer (and even if it's not, toss it in the freezer--now you have plenty of spinach on hand for next week's smoothies and baking. Just don't forget to replace it in step 4).  

So many things can be frozen. Even lemons, herbs, etc. can all be prepared and kept for later use.

3. Think ahead

As you add to your freezer, take inventory. Do you already have spinach in there? Move that to the front and place your new addition behind it.  Look at your meat.  How can you use that ground turkey this coming week? Knowing what's in the freezer not only helps you plan meals but also identify what day you need to start defrosting, if necessary.  There's nothing worse than knowing Wednesday is ground turkey tacos but then come Wednesday, you remember the meat is still frozen.   Also, make sure you always have a couple "staple" items frozen for a last minute, nutritious meal. Because, yes, plans do change. You can use my #MealMakeoverMonday posts for inspiration. 

All in all, this step jump starts my meal planning for the week and adds to step 4, the grocery list.

4. Make a Shopping list

As you move things around in your fridge and freezer, jot down items you need on a list. Don't forget to scan items like condiments, salad dressings, butter, and eggs as well.  If something is getting low, move it towards the front and write it down.  You've already identified what's in your freezer for meals so add anything else to the list that you need for those. Hang that list up and now it's ready for the next outing or online order.  

Easy, right? A brief moment today helps start next week off on the right foot. And since it's not even the weekend, you're way ahead of the game. Make it a "Freezer" Friday, Friends!

xo,
Brit