Save Money Eat Well
Eating a wide and varied diet doesn’t mean that you can’t save money and eat well. Some of the most nutritious and satisfying foods are very bank balance friendly. In the UK we waste on average 7 million tonnes of food and drink each year, this is the equivalent to each family throwing away £470!
By planning ahead, you are able to reduce waste and save money. So how can you make your money go further?
- Plan your meals for the week ahead
- Make a list of ingredients you need for these meals
- Don’t be put off by economy range foods, canned tomatoes are likely to contain the same nutrition regardless of being 50p or £2.00
- Don’t deviate from your list – a special offer isn’t a special offer if you didn’t need the item!
- Buy staple products in bulk – items such as rice and pulses that have a very long shelf life are likely cheaper when bought in bulk and won’t go to waste
- Buy cheaper cuts of meat, such as chicken thighs over breast. Buying a whole bird is often inexpensive too and great value if you are feeding a crowd
- Canned fish is a great and cheaper alternative to fresh fish, as well as having a long shelf life. Canned fish such as mackerel and sardines are high in omega-3 fats which are fantastic for heart health
- Frozen fish is often more cost effective than fresh fish, and this means you are still able to enjoy a large fillet of cod or salmon
- Frozen vegetables make a good alternative to fresh and are usually much less time consuming to prepare. Freezing vegetables also preserves more of the nutrients, providing you with added health benefits. You are also unlikely to have any waste.
- Canned fruit also counts to your 5-A-Day, just be sure to choose fruit in fruit juices rather than syrup
- Buy in season fruit and vegetables – these may be more cost effective than the frozen and canned varieties!
- Go meat-free for several days each week – vegetables, eggs, beans and lentils tend to cost less than meat and can be used to bulk out meals, check out our vegetarian and vegan recipes here
