My last au pair that lasted only 2 months cost us an average of £80 extra a week. We were constantly out of butter/bread/leaves/milk. Lots of Green and Black chocs went missing too. That wasn't the main cost but it was mostly our expensive eating habits that we try very hard to maintain and naturally now have to take account for her. Everything I buy is usually discounted but meats are at least free range, if not organic, thin skinned fruits/veg the same. If I can't get the quality I like, I tend to buy from markets (better taste for me) and soak in vinegar/salt solution to remove pesticides etc. Its my choice to feed my family this way. It is very expensive and I really shop around to keep this sustainable. I have a new au pair now who keeps mentioning white fish once/week and lots of fruits. Fish has been a problem for me as the quality that I like is sooo expensive so normally resort to reduced to clear when I have the chance-so not often. Its very annoying to have to think of what we eat as most meals are for 2 or 4 and steaks work out very expensive. I was also considering an 'alcohol from the home' off limits rule and chocs we buy are for us only rule (she has a card to buy herself stuff- I check all receipts).
Her first meal here was soooo huge (pasta) that it was more than what my 6f2'' hubby and me and 2 kids eat combined- that was my next day's lunch and kids lunch gone. So I'm feeling a bit cautious. Also I specialise in nutrition and wellness and she's wondering why I do what I do, so seems a bit odd to ask her to eat something that we prefer not to for our family. But the cost could spiral out of control and after a £700 spend last month, I'm concerned. Any thoughts?