Comments on: More Mottainai

by: Nathalie Lussier

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:03:01 +0000

That’s so interesting. I’ve been to China for a few months, and saw how they eat. They definitely do not waste food, but then again they don’t force themselves to eat more than they have to.

Interestingly enough, the way the meals are organized maximizes both not-wasting-food and making sure everyone has the right portions.

by: Susan

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:01:15 +0000

Re: your question about phrases in other cultures — In Hebrew, the phrase “bal tashkhit” reflects the Jewish principle that wasting food is a sin.

On a separate note, cramming food into a full stomach is just as wasteful as throwing it in the trash. In restaurants, order less — and tip your server as if you had ordered more, so that waiters don’t feel they need to discourage sensible ordering — and at home, serve your kids LESS than you think they’ll actually want to eat and let them know that you will be happy to serve them seconds if they are still hungry.

by: Jonathan

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:21:51 +0000

Ooh, I like that–very creative. Fries do tend to be ubiquitous. To minimize that trend, it’s worth asking about substituting for another side.

by: Cynthia

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:57:18 +0000

Hi Jonathan -and all,
I don’t necessarily advocate ordering french fries but sometimes we end up with them anyway. I can not stand waste so I brain stormed a bit and discovered that french fries (cut up) make wonderful potato soup. I try to be as creative as possible when finding ways to use food a second, or even third, time.

by: Jonathan

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:26:14 +0000

I know some people have high standards on leftovers, but I’m with Dee Dee about reheating. There are few items that I won’t eat later. French fries and dressed salads are among the items that don’t fare well the next day. On the former, though, it’s a good reason for restraint when ordering them…

by: dee dee

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:06:18 +0000

Kids should never be forced to eat more than their fill. Appropriate portions is key. They can always ask for seconds if they are still hungry. Healthy young children do remarkably well determining how much they really need to eat at any meal. You’ll rarely have to throw anything away if you pay close attention to their appetites.
As for restaurant leftovers…if one really has a problem with foods that don’t reheat well…just don’t order them in the first place, or figure out a better way to reheat. There are very few things that can’t be managed a day or two later. In fact, sushi is the only thing that comes to mind.

by: Jonathan

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:18:52 +0000

Very interesting, kurtdf. I thought for sure after reading your first two sentences that you’d be against the clean plate club.

I think your health/weight should be the priority. If there’s something you know you’re not going to eat later, there’s no need to overeat. The important thing is that you’re aware of your waste and are able to reduce it in many situations. As you mentioned, trying to order smaller portions will help.

One thing I tend to do is after I’ve been working on my meal for a little bit, I’ll strategize about what I’d like to eat the next day and finish the other stuff. Or sometimes, I’ll finish what won’t warm up well. But I can see how that would be annoying for people who just want to enjoy their dinner…

by: kurtdf

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:07:57 +0000

I have always struggled with this concept. I think this is part of the reason my weight has grown since I have become interested in food waste. If I go to a restaurant and know the food wont warm up well, or you really can’t take it home, I will eat it all, so as to not waste.
When I can control the servings, I do smaller portions. I figure smaller portions are better and you can always get more.
I do think clean plate can thing can work if it is used to teach kids about smaller manageable portions.