Use hot and cold foods for variety. Prepare no more than one time-consuming dish in each meal. The grocery list should include both fresh and processed foods. Buy enough fresh fruits and vegetables to last only a few days. They will lose their freshness and some nutrients if stored too long.
Meats stay fresh in the refrigerator for varying amounts of time.
Ground beef, stew beef, poultry, and fish can be kept safely for only one or two days and should be frozen if kept longer. Roasts, chops, and steaks can be refrigerated three to five days before you use them. Choose your store or stores carefully. Stores that offer special services usually charge higher prices. Buy just what you can use without waste.