1. Plan your meals
That’s it, that is the tip.
If you can set aside 30 mins a week to plan out your meals and create a standard grocery list this will save you time, energy and money. Half the problem is having the right ingredients in your fridge so you don’t have to order in at the last minute or grab something ready-made. Try this for a week. Download our free meal prep for a week here.
2. Stick to your grocery list
Stick to your grocery list and try to resist adding items to your trolley while you shop. Assess and see what difference this makes. Try to also stick to the outside aisles of your grocery store as this is where fresh produce is located. The inner aisles are where all the processed foods lurk.
3. Batch cook
Batch cook for the week – pyrex dishes are your friend (read about why glass containers are best, here). A little more time in the kitchen can yield big money-saving results by keeping you off Uber Eats or the nearest drive-thru.
4. Buy frozen
Most frozen vegetables retain their nutrients because they are flash frozen almost immediately to preserve their freshness. They are equally nutritious to their fresh counterparts and a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals.
5. Pack lunch for work
Yes, it requires some pre-planning but bringing your own food to work can make a huge difference to your budget. Leftovers are a great easy option.
6. Get used to your freezer
Making your own meals and bulk freezing not only improves nutritious eating, it also makes life so much easier when you’re frantically looking for something to eat after a long day’s work.
7. Buy whole
You already know this, but buying pre-chopped vegetables might be convenient, but they cost a lot more than whole vegetables. You can chop vegetables up for the week on a Sunday and store in containers in the fridge.
8. It's clean out time
It’s pantry and fridge clean out time – I can help with this. Knowing what you have and what you can use, instead of buying these same items each week will save you money down the line.
9. Buy it whole, buy it fresh
Buy chicken whole or fresh instead of crumbed in any form or frozen as nuggets. Not only are crumbed chicken pieces filled with unhealthy hydrogenated fats that are pro-inflammatory, but they also cost way more than fresh whole chicken. Here’s an easy alternative to make yourself.
10. Buy local and in season
Look for fruit and vegetables in season, if something is shipped in from Spain, you’re guaranteed to spend more.