Thanksgiving kicks off the season of gathering, celebrating and feasting. And no matter how much you eat, there always seem to be leftovers to store or take home.During this time, it’s good to know the rules of food storage and leftovers. There are different rules for storing fresh food versus prepared food.
Chicken Leftovers
For example, raw chicken will only last 1 or 2 days in the fridge, while raw red meat, like steak, will last 3 to 4 days. These rules apply to fresh meat, wrapped in butcher’s paper. When you purchase raw meat sealed in airtight plastic packaging, it will last until the “best by” date on the package. Raw meat can also be preserved through freezing and will last 6 months in the freezer.
Herbs, Eggs, Potatoes, and Other Leftovers
Fresh herbs can last for 4 to 7 days when wrapped in a damp paper towel. And mushrooms and lettuce will last for 4 to 5 days in the fridge.
Eggs can last up to a month in the refrigerator, but don’t put them next to anything with a strong smell because eggs absorb odors.
Potatoes are also long lasting. If kept in a cool, dark and dry place they’ll last for up to 2 weeks. However, if you leave potatoes out in bright light or direct sunlight as it will raise their alkaloid levels and turn them a shade of light green. Slightly green potatoes are not harmful if eaten in small amounts, but very green potatoes can taste bitter or cause digestive issues, so it’s best to toss.
Prepared foods need to be stored in airtight containers in the fridge to preserve freshness. You should not keep leftovers longer than 5 days.
There are 3 reasons why leftovers are not good after a few days:
Prepared foods are a breeding ground for bacteria. The older they are, the more bacteria will grow. If not in an airtight container they can cross-contaminate other food in the fridge, making them spoil faster.
Prepared foods also lose nutrients when cooked on high heat and lose even more nutrients as they sit in the fridge.
Lastly, some people can be sensitive to eating leftovers, particularly those who have yeast/candida overgrowth, mold allergies or issues with histamine intolerance. Sensitive individuals shouldn’t eat leftovers older than 24 hours. In this case, it’s best to freeze leftovers in single serving containers to heat up later.
Danger of Histamines
Your body’s immune system produces histamine to respond to threats, but some people are deficient in a natural enzyme called DAO (diamine oxidase), which breaks down the histamine. If histamine isn’t processed it overloads the body and causes symptoms like fatigue, congestion, headaches, itchiness, insomnia or inflammation.
Leftovers are high in histamine and should be frozen or eaten within 24 hours. Because mold grows on leftovers, they are not a good idea for people with yeast or mold issues. Most people can tolerate leftovers in the first few days with no problems.
What You Should Do with Your Leftovers
Don’t toss those turkey bones to make your leftovers go further. Use them to make nutrient-dense bone broth. Just fill a slow cooker or a 4-quart pot with water, add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and cook on very low heat for 24 hours. Let cool and transfer to a glass container in the fridge. Broth will last 5 days in the fridge. If a layer of fat forms on top of the broth, it creates an airtight seal allowing the broth to last longer than 5 days. Once the fat layer is broken consume the broth within 5 days.
The key to eating leftovers quickly is variety. Instead of the same old sandwich, throw leftovers into a soup or salad or add eggs to make a leftovers scramble.
If you feel bloated from all that eating and can’t stand the thought of leftovers, it might be time for a cleanse. The 21-Day Body Makeover will support and detox your body so you don’t gain those typical few pounds this holiday season. And you’ll be done cleansing in time for Christmas. The 21-Day Body Makeover can help break sugar addictions, while nourishing your body with real food. You won’t be hungry but will feel light and satiated.
What a great way to start the New Year.
Related Topic: Is cleansing right for you?
