May 06, 2022

Eating On A Budget...Kate Percy's Top Tips To Save Money And Eat On The Cheap!

How can you save on cash without compromising on taste or health?

I’m a firm believer that healthy eating doesn’t necessarily have to cost more. In fact, when the going gets tough, eating on a budget means putting a little extra effort into thinking about what you eat and where it comes from. And this can actually pay back in more ways than just saving cash...

Eating On A Budget. Try these top tips to save money and eat healthily on the cheap!

1. Prepare all foods from scratch at home

Even simple pre-prepared foods such as grated cheese or pre-seasoned meats cost more.

2. Stick to seasonal fruit and veg

These are locally produced and generally less expensive.

3. Stock up on staples in the discount stores

Cans of tomatoes, pasta, tuna, olive oil, nuts etc are all much cheaper than in the main supermarkets.

4. Choose plant-based sources of protein

Lentils, chickpeas and beans over expensive meat. Experiment with cheaper cuts such as lamb neck or shin of beef; they make delicious slow-cook stews and curries.

Try eeking out a whole chicken over two or three meals – a roast, a curry and a pasta for instance - plus you can make stock with the bones to make your risottos and soups extra tasty and super nutritious!

A pack of mince can make a spaghetti Bolognese, then transform itself into a chilli con carne on day two with a can of kidney beans and spices.

5. Focus on slow-releasing carbs

Brown rice, brown bread, wholewheat pasta, oats and couscous may cost a little more, but they keep you fuller for longer. Make soups with cheaper root vegetables such as squash and onions and wholesome beans and lentils. Try vegetable dishes such as cauliflower cheese, or these falafel, made with a tin of chickpeas...

6. Buy cheap fish

Fresh mackerel, herring, sardines and mussels are usually much cheaper than other fresh fish, however tinned fish is also extremely nutritious, packed with omega-3 and good protein.

Try this panzanella salad with sardines :)

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6. Limit highly processed foods.

They may be cheap, but they are usually nutrient-poor and they won’t sustain your energy levels to support your training.