Lives these days have become so hectic that you barely find time to cook your meals at home. It is neither healthy nor cost-effective to order out every day. So what do you do? You prepare a plan that helps you eat on a budget.
If you are trying to save money on food, it is time to start planning ahead. It may take a bit of time, but it will help you save a lot in the long run.
Here are some tips to help you get started.
Prepare a menu
If you want to rid yourself of decision fatigue, then start by deciding the menu for the week. You can prepare a list of foods you can have for lunch and dinner. Doing so will help you make a list of ingredients you will need from the grocery store. Having a meal plan is the best way to avoid the temptation of ordering a burger or an unhealthy snack.
Plan your meals around ingredients on sale
Keep an eye out for flyers, coupons, newspaper inserts etc. for ongoing discounts. You will be surprised to find all the good deals that make your meals cheaper. However, be sure to only buy items that are useful so that they don’t go waste.
Buy affordable pre-prepared meals
Don’t have the time to cook and don’t want to waste your money on ordering expensive dinner? Are you looking for easy meals for two on a budget? Don’t worry! You can now find cheap pre-prepared meals in grocery stores and online.
Make at least one meal meatless in a week
Supplement your non-veg meals with cost-effective legumes, eggs, and tofu to add delicious protein to your diet without affecting your meal budget for the week. There are tons of recipes, such as stir fried tofu, egg salad, and black bean couscous that supply your body with essential nutrients and are budget-friendly too!
Check expiry dates
Check the food in your pantry and refrigerator for expiry dates and prepare them first. Food wastage is an added cost that is completely avoidable if you proactively check for food items in your house that are nearing expiry dates.
Eat more grains
Whole grains such as barley and couscous cost less and are loaded with fibre. They are not only healthy but also keep you full for longer, thereby reducing your urge to eat more often. You can try them in salads, stews, and soups or experiment with different recipes.
Avoid recipes that require unique ingredients
Some recipes require special ingredients that you may not have on hand. They are also quite expensive and not used as often as other ingredients. It may not be a good strategy to add such foods to your list that requires you to buy an ingredient that you will only use once. If you really want to try out that recipe, look for alternatives that can be prepared without the special ingredient, without compromising its taste. It is fun to try out new things when cooking and you will be surprised to see the final result!
Try more seasonal recipes
Seasonal fruits and vegetables cost less. They are also a great way to add more nutrients to your meals.
Use the leftovers
Don’t throw away the leftovers. Think of creative ways to use it in your next meal. For example, if you are eating roast chicken for dinner on a weekend, try a chicken sandwich the next day to use up the leftover chicken. You can also use the bones in your chicken soup and use the remaining soup in rice preparation.
Make some extra portions
A large batch of certain foods, such as soup and lasagna, can be used multiple times during the week due to their longer shelf life. After you have had one batch for lunch, freeze the remaining portion for the next meal. Make sure you add that to your list for the week so that you prepare the right portions. It will save you time and money when preparing your meals.
Know your family’s food preferences
When you are preparing a meal plan, be sure to discuss it with your family members to take their preferences into account. This will ensure that all the food is consumed and everyone is happily fed!
These are some of the many useful tips that will help you stay on budget, without compromising the food quality and taste. All you need to do is become a little organized with your meals to help you save some money and enhance the nutritional value of your food too. Use these tips to get a head start and improvise as you go further.
