So You Want to Waste Less Food
In this blog post, we’re diving into the latest episode of Black Iron Radio, where coaches Maggie, Acacia, and Jess tackle one of the most common kitchen struggles: food waste. Whether it’s forgotten produce, uneaten leftovers, or meal prep gone stale, they share practical tips to help you shop smarter, use what you buy, and build habits that reduce waste without adding stress. If you’re looking to save money, simplify your routine, and feel more in control of your nutrition, this one’s packed with real-life strategies you can start using today.
BLACK IRON RADIO EP. 259: SO YOU WANT TO WASTE LESS FOOD
Maggie, Acacia, and Jess G get into the surprisingly relatable topic of food waste: why it happens, how to reduce it, and how to make your groceries actually work for you. They cover everything from fridge visibility hacks and realistic meal planning to freezing leftovers, creative repurposing, and what expiration dates actually mean.
Whether you’re sick of tossing wilted spinach, overcooking out of ambition, or buying the Costco-sized condiments you never finish, this episode gives you real-life strategies to waste less and eat better (without turning your kitchen routine upside down).
📲 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Wasting less food isn’t just about being eco-conscious—it’s about saving money, saving time, and setting yourself up for success with your nutrition. At Black Iron, we know that meal prep and planning can get messy, especially when you’re juggling life, macros, and a fridge full of mystery produce. That’s why we’re diving into practical, no-BS ways to waste less food and make your groceries work harder for you.
Why We Waste
Let’s be real: food waste often stems from overconsumption, lack of planning, or good intentions gone sideways. Maybe you grabbed that Costco-sized box of spinach with high hopes, only to watch it wilt behind your oat milk. Or maybe you prepped seven days of chicken and rice, and couldn’t bear to look at it by Wednesday. We’ve all been there.
Meal prep fails, poor visibility in the fridge, bulk buying with no strategy, or simply forgetting what’s already at home—these are common culprits. Tackling them starts with awareness and a few strategic changes.
Easy Wins to Cut Waste
1. Prep Your Prep
Before you even step into the grocery store, take inventory. Seriously—open the fridge, take a video or photos, and use them as your visual shopping list. This keeps you from buying duplicates and helps you plan around what you already have.
2. Portion Like You Mean It
You don’t need 12 apples if you’ll eat five. Don’t grab the gallon of ranch if you only need a few spoonfuls. Knowing your real-life habits (not your Pinterest aspirations) helps you shop smarter and waste less.
3. Make It Visible
Store produce in clear containers. Use fridge magnets or dry-erase markers to track what’s inside drawers. Organize your fridge so the good stuff doesn’t rot out of sight.
4. Repurpose Like a Pro
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Stir-fries, soups, tacos, and grain bowls are your best friend. Got extra rice and a random protein? Toss in some sauce and call it dinner.
5. Freeze the Extras
Invest in reusable containers or a vacuum sealer if you can swing it. Label and freeze what you won’t use right away. Even half-used cans of tomato paste can be frozen in ice cube trays for later. Pro tip: keep a running list of what’s in your freezer so you actually use it.
6. Cook for the Week You Actually Have
If you know you’re not going to want reheated eggs on Thursday, don’t prep them on Sunday. You’re not failing—you’re just being honest with yourself. Split your prep across two smaller days if that helps avoid food fatigue.
7. Respect Expiration Dates (But Know the Difference)
There’s a huge difference between “sell by,” “use by,” and “expired.” Most items are still fine after the first two, especially if they’ve been stored properly. Trust your nose and your judgment—but don’t mess with sketchy dairy or meat.
8. Compost (if you can)
If you’ve got the space and bandwidth, composting is a great way to make use of food scraps. Even simple backyard bins or countertop containers can reduce your impact and feed your garden (or your neighbor’s).
Bottom Line
You don’t need to overhaul your entire kitchen routine overnight. Start with one thing: maybe it’s writing a grocery list, maybe it’s batch-freezing leftovers, or maybe it’s just actually looking in your fridge before heading to the store.
Whatever it is, pick something realistic. Wasting less food doesn’t mean being perfect—it means being intentional.
And if you’re the type of person who hates Thursday chicken just as much as we do? Add a sauce. Add a crunch. Make it exciting again. Because food should be nourishing, but it should also be enjoyable.
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If you enjoyed this conversation, check out more episodes of Black Iron Radio, where we cut through the noise and give you real, no-BS advice on feeling, performing, and looking your best. Each week we share practical nutrition, training, and wellness strategies and tips to help you succeed.
📲 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
