Living a Healthy Life -- Wellness and Physical Fitness
Classes:
Introduction > Take the Test > Nutrition and Meal Preparation > Exercise and Physical Fitness > Prevention and Regular Check-Ups > Special Considerations > Conclusion
Nutrition and Meal Preparation > Dietary Guidelines > Having a Balanced Diet > Food Preparation and Safety > Shopping > Storing > Cooking/Preparing Foods> Quick Tips for Cooking and Eating on the Go!
Storing Food
Store refrigerated and frozen foods immediately.
Don't allow foods that should remain cold or frozen to thaw out. Put them in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as you get home from the grocery store.
Store cooked foods carefully.
If you plan to keep cooked foods for more than a few hours, be sure to store them properly either in a hot oven (for example keep the oven set on 'warm' if you are cooking a casserole a few hours in advance) or refrigerator or freezer. If you are cooking meals in advance or storing leftovers, store them in smaller containers if possible. Sometimes large meals (for example an entire lasagna) aren't able to cool quickly enough in the refrigerator or freezer and can start to go bad.
Avoid contact between raw foods and cooked foods.
This is true for when you are storing foods and cooking foods. Store raw meat, chicken, fish, and poultry in packages and away from other foods in your refrigerator (especially fruits and vegetables that may be eaten raw). Wash anything that comes in contact with raw food (this includes dishes, cutting boards, and your hands!) before storing or cooking other foods.
Protect food from insects, rodents, and other animals.
No matter how clean your kitchen or home, it's sometimes hard to keep food away from animals and from the germs they may carry. Storing your food on clean, dry shelves (preferably higher up) and in containers or tightly sealed bags can help keep bugs and rodents out. If keeping your food protected is more than an occasional problem, though, be sure to contact an exterminator and/or your landlord. Bugs and rodents can cause a number of health problems.
Next: Cooking/Preparing Foods
