With the global financial crisis uppermost in everyone’s minds, belts are tightening. But that doesn’t mean you have to eat badly. In fact, food that is better for you is often cheaper, contrary to popular belief.
Don’t believe us? Here are some helpful ways to stay within the budget and improve family morale:
1. Use fruit and vegetables that are in season. We’ve been conditioned to think we can have anything any time and why not? But seasonal food is not only tastier and more nutritious, it is also less expensive. For starters, it usually hasn’t had to travel far or sit in cold storage for months.
Comfort food: Make great dishes such as this oxtail and vegetable stew on a budget. Picture: Monkey Business
2. Cook stews and casseroles. These are great comfort foods at any time. But they also have the added benefit of working best with cheap cuts of meat, such as chuck, gravy and oyster blade.
3. Make stocks. Simmering a good stock makes the house smell fantastic; the bones in the stock add valuable minerals and flavour to your meal; and they are great for future use in risottos, soups and curries.
4. Grow your own herbs. Your windowsill or balcony is an ideal place to do so. They add nutrition and flavour and can turn a simple meal into a class act.
5. Drag out your cookbooks. Your mother’s, or even your grandmother’s, recipe books were often written with the family budget in mind. They will be full of simple, comfort foods that are inexpensive to make.
6. Take inspiration from other cultures. Food traditions from countries such as India, China and Italy can teach you how to make the most of modest means. They get the best out of ingredients without compromising on flavour or nutrition.
7. Cook from scratch. Once you have the recipe, don’t be tempted to cut corners. You might be surprised at the cost of a food shop when you buy the basic ingredients instead of the packaged alternatives that are invariably inferior in quality, flavour and nutrition.
8. Cook in bulk. Not only do your basic ingredients stretch further, it means you have handy standby meals in the freezer and you’re less likely to resort to unhealthy and expensive takeout.
9. Buy the best wholegrain bread you can. It may cost more upfront but you need less of it to feel full and nourished, so it goes a long way – not to mention it is heaps better for your digestive system.
10. Shop locally. Find fresh markets where you can buy direct from the grower. Cutting out the middle man brings down cost – you’re not paying for packaging, storage or transport. It also means you’re more likely to get the freshest and best quality produce.
If you have any other great suggestions for healthy eating for less, we’d love to hear from you.
