With all of our purse strings being tightened as well as the constant message from the health authorities about diet, obesity and keeping kids healthy and active we ask can you feed a family a healthy diet on a budget?
We think you can and here’s how:
Cutting costs:
1. Make one meal for the whole family. This is not always as easy as it sounds but if you know that someone is going to be late home from work or someone doesn’t like something – try and plan a meal that can be warmed up easily (like using a slow cooker) and one that can be adapted easily (use a selection of veg then you can give whoever what they will eat)
2. Buy bulk or buy multiples when there are instore offers.
3. Freeze any leftovers to use for another day or always make a little extra for dinner tomorrow!
4. Use all the food – for example if you’re having a chicken you could always use the leftover carcass to make a chicken stock for soup.
5. Food Management – make sure you use all your food before it goes out of date. Although this may sound like common sense it is not always common practice.
6. Buy supermarket own brand products because believe or not they aren’t that much different in terms of product but can differ greatly in price.
7. Buy loose fruit and veg so you can feel the ripeness / quality of the produce.
8. Buy products with as long a shelf life as possible.
9. Stock up and fill up on pasta and rice. It’s cheap, healthy, easy to cook and very versatile.
10. Try some of the lower budget supermarkets such as Aldi and Netto.
11. Avoid ready meals and fast food!