(and eat healthier)

Living these days got seriously expensive! With food prices, energy and the cost of living going steadily up, there is no wonder we are looking for tips on how to save us a couple quid where we can. I’ve compiled a few simple ways top stretch your food budget that work for my family and help me avoid a overspending and delay a trip to the shops by a day or two.

1. Meal plan

Meal planning is a great tool to asses what is in your fridge and cupboards and figure out meals that will use up all the bit and bobs. With a meal plan you can avoid buying unnecessary ingredients in the first place which is the first way to stretch your food budget.

Putting some thought into what you want to cook next week allows you to use ALL of the bought products. For example, if a recipe calls for half a cup of cream, how often do you end up wasting the other half? When you have a plan, you know you will use it in a couple of days in a different dish (or you double up the recipe).

Try one of my super simple recipes to use up some of your leftover foods. Like this Chocolate, coconut and tahini granola or this Cauliflower scramble.

2. Make a shopping list

When you have your meal plan, take a note of all the ingredients you’ll need, plus all your staples. The most difficult part? Sticking to your list. So many times, as I am browsing the aisles of a supermarket, I see something that’s on sale, reduced or have coupon or deal on it. There are times I can reflect on my meal plan and make switch to accommodate the tempting product (when it’s cheaper) but often I know I don’t need it.

I know it’s difficult to say no to a good deal which is what supermarkets are counting on. Perhaps with cupboard foods you might find a win as those beans will come in handy one day. With other things, you are likely to waste your money.

3. Batch and load up

Wonder how to save a few pounds while still cooking hot dinners for your family? Try cooking in batches and having the same dinner a couple times a week or freezing the other half (leftovers) for a few weeks later. This way you’re using the same amount of electricity or gas but getting twice as much for it. Next time you just have to defrost and reheat.

Same goes for using an oven. Roasting a chicken? Them throw some veggies in there for the next day or a cake for the weekend. It all comes down to planning again. Knowing what you’re cooking and how it all fits together to make it more affordable for you.

4. Bulk it up

This one will make your food actually stretch further than you might have planned. There are certain ingredients that are cheap all year around, healthy and can will bulk up your meals. To stretch your food is the best way to stretch your food budget.

The humble Carrot

Carrots are a great vegetable. You can buy a big bag them for not very much or get as many loose ones as you need. They keep for quite a while and they are good for your health. Grate a couple of carrots into a pasta sauce or add them into a blended soup. I guarantee you, your family won’t even notice.

The same can be said for courgettes (great in smoothies to replace banana as a creamy ingredient).

The forgotten lentils

Lentils of any kind are great and easy way to bulk up your meals, especially when using minced meat. Throw a couple of handfuls of pre-soaked lentils (they cook faster that way) into the pan and watch the magic happen. They also add more protein, making your dishes more nutritious.

The frozen peas

The frozen peas are a staple in everyone’s freezer. Or any other frozen vegetable for that matter. They are cheap, full of flavour and goodness and lets not forget they add colour to any meal. Sauces, stews, soups and rice dishes will only benefit from this little green helper.

The good old bean

Whether you’re a fan of the dried beans or the tinned version, they will make a great addition to many meals. If you don’t want big beany lumps in your dinner, you can blend then smooth. I often add white bean variations into vegetable soups for creaminess and added protein. Lets be inventive and discover the power of bean beyond the classic on toast and red kidney chilli.

5. Buy bigger

Buying bigger packs of things like pasta, flour and rice is often less expensive in the long run that their smaller counterparts. Yes, it is a higher investment initially which is why you might want to plan it well.

Buying a big sack of flour and rice in the same shopping trip might break your weekly budget. Try to space them out a little and work your meals around it. You can buy a lot of things in bulk but always think practically, therefore if you’ll be able to use it all in time or freeze it down in one form or another.

6. Store it well

You can be the best shopper in the world but it will be for nothing if you let your produce wilt and decay. The internet is full of advice on how to prep fruits and vegetables to last longer and what to store to together and apart for the best results.

You might want to invest in some containers for your cupboard food, not for the look but for it to stay away from moisture. You can also use clips and pegs to keep your open packaged food fresh or tape them back shut.

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If you follow these 6 simple ways to stretch your food budget, I promise you it will save you money. There are more tips and tricks out there that fit different families, like bulk buying and prepping or cooking for a whole month or shopping around. One shoe doesn’t fit all so do what works for you and your family.

If you have any more tips or tricks that help YOU stick to a budget or make your meals go further, share them in the comments below.

xxx