How to cook with "nothing"

Food is a valuable resource and yet in the UK around 15 million tonnes of food is thrown away every year. Almost 50% of this comes from our homes. http://england.lovefoodhatewaste.com/node/2163

Interesting topic; we go to work, we come home, we eat, and we repeat daily. Not for everyone, but I would say this was typical for most families in the modern day life. Lets be honest, if this was not the case for many, would we be hearing the cycle of health warnings, that often do their rounds? Usually the start of every season funnily enough... Probably unlikely, unless others see a problem that may or not be there. Are people overweight? do people not do enough exercise? Is it easier to get a take away in just because you can? I expect so, why? Hmm.. Let me think... Time, money, patience, WORK, energy, the list is endless. I couldn't even start at 1 point without it opening... Pandora's box.

So how can we stop wasting so much food? Well, we opted for buying frozen vegetables making meals from scratch, but making a lot so we could freeze left overs. Opting in for breakfast smoothies and on the go porridge out of a packet but taking it with us in one of those thermo containers.

I have rules in my house about food... If you can't manage it now, save it for later. Undoubtedly, you may get hungry later. Opt in for frozen as it does last longer in my opinion. Shop for purpose, not the month. What we did was simply, design some meal plans, so when you get home you know what you are having. For me, this became useful, because it meant that we were taking the guess work out, which meant we weren't spending time thinking about what we were having. Pick a day where naughty food is allowed, this reduces the frequency of takeaways, most importantly, learn to love the food you make, let it become a hobby share ideas amongst friends.
Stock up on the essentials. For me, it is eggs, milk more for the hubby than me, as he loves a cuppa or two. Vegetables, fruit, a selection of meats, and finally rice. I have cooked some of my best meals out of only these, and if we run out, it is quite easy to replenish. Keep food simple, but keep the taste impeccable.

Dedicated shop days are essential for us, so we picked times when we feel motivated whilst giving ourselves time to shop. This was the best thing we did. We avoided shopping when we felt exhausted, stressed or even fed up.

I now enjoy my shop days because I like to keep my eye out for those cheeky bargains. It makes me feel overjoyed; at peace and very well relaxed knowing we are organised, but most importantly, we do include niceties for ourselves without feeling it's an essential. Crucial point; we shop because we want to, not because we need to.

How, when and why you shop, can change a lifetime of habits for long term gain.

Here is my first blog, I hope you have enjoyed it and you can use some of the info for yourself.  

There will also be blogs which you may or may not agree with and may cause discomforted feelings. Although this is not something that will be intentional it is to help you learn, develop and grow. :-)

Here are some pointers that the blogs won't be doing and should you take any of the ideas it will be of your own choice. Not because I have forced you or influenced your decision making. This is a guide; not a law :-).

They won't offer you quick fixes to unanswered questions you may or may not have.
They won't tell you "this is what you should and should not do" to live a healthy lifestyle.
They won't be talking about how to lose a stone in 1 week or suggesting the idea.
They wont be promoting diets, as guess what? I'm certainly not a dietician, but I do have a couple on tap to help :-)
So what will they do, they will give you some information, maybe a pg tip or 2... So get the kettle on, they probably will make you laugh and cry. It may even inspire you. Whatever you find on here, feel free to use. Feel free to give me some feed back, or maybe even share with others.
They will also be informative, creative, emotional at times but will provide good quality information, on topics such as health, lifestyle, nutrition and happiness.

VIP ladies.