From consolidating bills to refinancing loans, we are all looking at ways to cut costs. But what about taking a look at your grocery list? Imagine bringing home eight bags of groceries and throwing two straight in the trash. It sounds crazy—but Americans do it all the time. Statistics vary, but some estimates have us tossing as much as a quarter of the food we buy. Take control of how much food goes to waste in your home by meal planning. 

A Healthy Plan

Meal planning is one strategy to cut down on waste and improve our diets at the same time. “Planning can make a huge positive difference,” says Toby Smithson, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago. “People make healthier choices when they plan.”

A month at a time

Monthly meal planning is easier that it might seem. “I found that our family was enjoying similar meals each week and that I could easily shop and plan for several weeks at one time,” says Jessica Fisher, a monthly food-planning advocate and blogger at goodcheapeats.com. Fisher, who has been planning menus a month at a time for nearly 10 years, recommends starting with a paper or electronic calendar. She first fills in special occasions, regular taco or pasta nights, and other favorites. By the time she fills in the standards, she is often halfway done.

Cut calories, trim waste, save time

Fisher says planning ahead saves her time because she can buy in bulk, cut down on shopping trips, curb impulse buying, and resist eating out. Lindsie Lizotte, who writes the blog Mom’s Bistro from her home in Littleton, Colo., agrees. “I always know what is for dinner, I know what is in my fridge, and I know how much money I have to spend each week,” she says.

Take control

If plotting a whole month seems like too much regiment, Smithson suggests starting with a week. You can always build in nights for dining out. You also can leave nights open for flexibility. Last, don’t overlook food storage. Much of our food gets tossed because it spoils or expires. When you store food properly and use the most perishable items first, you’ll waste less.