What does "Cook once, eat twice" primarily encourage?

The phrase "Cook once, eat twice" primarily encourages preparing meals in advance and using leftovers. This concept emphasizes the efficiency and practicality of meal preparation by cooking a larger quantity of food at one time, which can then be utilized over multiple meals. This strategy not only saves time during busy weeks but also reduces food waste and can help with budgeting by making the most of ingredients.

By preparing meals in this way, individuals can enjoy the benefits of homemade food without the need to cook from scratch every day. This practice also allows for variety by using the same base meal in different ways, such as transforming proteins, grains, or vegetables into new dishes later in the week.