Hello A Better Lived Life Crew, I’m Christina: Coach, Combat Vet, and Community Change Agent. Today, let’s explore a topic that not only helps you save money but also contributes to environmental sustainability and frees up space in your kitchen—the January Pantry Challenge.
The Impulse Food Accumulation Dilemma:
Many of us, particularly those with ADHD, often find our kitchens stocked with food items bought on impulse or for recipes that never materialized. Whether it was a clearance item, an intriguing find, or a burst of inspiration, these items end up lingering in our pantry, fridge, or countertop without a clear purpose.
The Impact of Food Waste:
This accumulation leads to waste—waste of money, someone’s hard work, and environmental resources. The greenhouse gases released during production contribute to this issue, along with the unnecessary space these items take up in our homes.
Embracing the January Pantry Challenge:
What if, this January, we took on the challenge of using what we already have? What if we refrained from buying anything new and committed to cooking with existing ingredients? It’s a creative endeavor that allows us to repurpose items, reduce waste, and showcase our culinary ingenuity.
What is a Pantry Challenge?
In a pantry challenge, the objective is to utilize the items sitting idle in our pantries, counters, refrigerators, and freezers. Some take this challenge to the extreme by banning new purchases entirely, while others may allow exceptions for fresh fruits or vegetables essential for dishes centered around existing pantry items.
Getting Creative with Pantry Ingredients:
As an example, I recently prepared a tasty dish featuring tofu, black beans, black barley, potatoes, onions, mushrooms, broccoli, and a clearance can of “golden mushroom soup.” This not only utilized aging vegetables but also cleared out cans purchased on sale.
Tools to Help You Take on the Challenge:
If you’re struggling to come up with dishes, numerous websites allow you to input your available ingredients, generating recipes based on what’s in your cupboard. You can try https://www.supercook.com/#/desktop, https://www.reciperadar.com, or https://recipeland.com/recipes/by_ingredient.
Why Take on a Pantry Challenge?
Whether you overspent during Christmas, prioritize environmental concerns, or simply want to regain control of your pantry space, a pantry challenge aligns with various motivations. It’s a fantastic way to progress toward your goals, no matter what they may be.
Start Small or Go Big:
If a month-long challenge feels daunting, start with a week or even a few days. Create one or two dishes using items that have overstayed their welcome. Experiment with new flavors and combinations, and who knows what culinary wonders you might discover.
Conclusion:
The January Pantry Challenge is not just a culinary adventure but a journey toward mindful consumption, waste reduction, and financial responsibility. Don’t forget sign up to receive updates.
Let us know what dishes you’ve created using a pantry challenge!
Looking for other ways to take back your home? Try this post next: https://abetterlivedlife.com/adhd-cleaning-and-giving-your-stuff-a-home/
Now, go forth and do great things.
