Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

Hey Jamie, thanks for the ink on Wasted Food.

I applaud coffeefrappe and ceforrester's "use-it-up" style of cooking, but I think we should note that not everyone has the kitchen acumen to cook that way. Some people are by-the-book cooks.

Cary and Kitchenlove, I'm curious why you folks don't like leftovers. There are plenty of people who share your opinion and I'm definitely not trying to judge your habits. I just don't understand it from a personal level (I really enjoy leftovers) and a food waste perspective. It seems that for Kitchenlove, it's the lack of variety and feeling that it won't taste as good the next day.

Finally, it's easier said than done on "being realistic about your habits." While that's a worthy goal we should all strive for, you should know that supermarkets spend lots of time and money trying to tempt you into buying items that might not be 'realistic.' Plus, as Brian Wansink writes in Mindless Eating, our perceived kitchen practices often differ than the reality.

Not shopping hungry, making a list (and sticking to it) and meal planning will all help you avoid fridge food waste.