Why do people respond so differently to leftovers? Is it a class issue, with the upper class snubbing leftovers as being below them? Or perhaps some people get nervous about eating old food? Turns out, it’s all those things and more. It depends on a variety of factors including economics, food safety, sustainability, and sustainability.
How Money and Mold Play a Role
A person’s economic situation may play a huge role in their approach to leftovers, determining whether they eat them regularly or throw them out.
- Meat and fish leftovers tend to elicit more anxiety regarding food poisoning than non-meat foods, so the 2-2-4 rule: within two hours of preparation, store leftovers in the refrigerator in a shallow, 2-inch dish, and consume within four days.
Attitudes Toward Leftovers Have Changed Over Time
At the beginning of the 20th century, people just expected to eat leftovers most days – it was what you ate for your next meal.
- Later on, this positive outlook on leftovers dissipated as food became cheaper and incomes rose. Eating leftovers weren’t considered as economically or morally necessary as they were in the past; they were seen as something seen closer to garbage than food.
As Portion Sizes Get Bigger, We’re Burdened With More And More Leftovers
In recent decades, American restaurants have increased their portion sizes, which produces a larger amount of leftovers when people can’t finish their heaping plateful.
- Researchers are starting to look at how having leftovers may impact people’s behavior towards other foods.
Cooking
Confidence is key
- If someone is comfortable cooking, they may be able to effectively reuse leftovers
- But if a person is lacking confidence or skills in their cooking abilities, they might be gripped with fear and less inclined to use up those leftovers
On the plus side, leftovers can help save the planet
Throwing away food is wasting all the resources that went into making and growing the food. Eating leftovers is one way to minimize food waste.
- As sustainability becomes more mainstream, it still remains to be seen whether leftover-haters will be motivated to change their outlook.
Some People Are Wired To Enjoy Monotony, But Many Aren’t
“We seem to be ‘wired’ to want variety in our diets,” Wenzel said, “[which] may be important for ensuring we consume a balanced diet.”
- For others, eating the same food all week can provide a sense of control that eases anxiety.
- Meal planning can take a lot of the stress out of your schedule.
