Eating healthy on a budget
Healthy eating doesn't have to put you in the poor house. The key is planning. Here are some smart ways to save at the supermarket. Plus, nine great budget-friendly meals ideas to feed your family for less than $4 per serve.
Smart food budget saving tips
1. Reduce impulse purchases. Go to the supermarket with a shopping list and stick to it.
2. Buy in season. Cooking with fresh produce that is in season means you get maximum nutrition packed with taste at a great price.
3. Purchase sale items in bulk. Use the same main ingredient and dress it up differently. Turn mince beef into bolognese, tacos or a topping for jacket potatoes. Plus, freeze some mince for the weeks to come.
4. Buy whole foods. Often, the more processed foods you buy, the higher the price. A supermarket bought apple will often cost you far less than $1.00, whereas a chocolate bar can cost upwards of $1.50.
5. Make from scratch. You're paying more for convenience and packaging. So grate your own cheese and slice your own bread. Buy vegetables fresh rather than pre-chopped and packaged.
6. Buy cheaper cuts of meat. Skip the expensive beef fillet to use in stir-frys and buy lean beef rump which is just as tasty.
7. Load up on beans and legumes. You can get a can of lentils or mixed beans for a fraction of the cost of meat. Pulses are a great alternative to meat as they are also source of protein as well as fibre.
8. Grow your own herbs. Having your own herb garden will mean you can grow the herbs you use most and will have an endless supply of fresh herbs whenever you need them. It also means you don't have to throw away any half bunches you have purchased and not used in time.