Affordable eating

It can be hard to eat well on a budget, and there is always the temptation to buy cheaper but less healthy food when trying to make ends meet.

Here are some useful tips to make eating a healthy balanced diet more affordable:

• Make a list and stick to it
  Plan your meals for the week in advance and make a list of the food you'll need to make it. Try not to be tempted by the tasty treats that might be on offer and stick to the list you've written. If you don't need it, don't buy it!
   
• Put healthy foods in your basket / trolley first 
  Whether you buy online or in a shop, collect all of the healthy items first and make sure you review what's in your basket regularly. This will mean that when you get to the unhealthy foods, your basket will already be full and you'll be less likely to buy junk food you don't need, saving you money.
   
• Don't shop on an empty stomach
  You're much more likely to buy things you don't need if you feel hungry. Try to plan your shopping trips once you have eaten.
   
• Cook large portions and eat them again another day 
  Try to make big dishes like curries, casseroles or soups and put them in the fridge or freezer to eat again later in the week. If you do this you save money by buying ingredients in bulk and you reduce the amount of leftovers. It also saves you from having to prepare another meal!
   
• Shop wisely 
  Look around for special offers in shops or online, but only buy things you need. Don't be tempted to buy things you're not likely to eat, just because it's a good deal. Compare the price per unit of items rather than the total price of the item. For example, when buying packaged vegetables you should compare the cost 'loose' per kg or lb, as opposed to the price per packet. If you can, you should also try going to markets to buy foods.
   
• Try meat-free proteins 
  Canned beans and lentils are a good and cheap source of protein. Try going meat-free for one or two days a week and replace your meat with beans, lentils, nuts, seeds or eggs.
   
• Shop in-season 
  Try to buy foods, like fruits and vegetables, that are currently in season. Not only will they taste their best, but they will be cheaper. It's also better for the environment!
   
• Buy in bulk 
  If there's something you tend to eat a lot of, try buying enough to last you for a long time. Foods that have long shelf-lives are great for buying in bulk! Just make sure you check your cupboards regularly so things don't get forgotten about or wasted.
   
• Use your leftovers 
  If you find you're making too much food and have a lot of leftovers, try using them to make a new dish. You can combine different foods into stews, stir-fries and casseroles.