Heathy, nutritious meals on a budget

[HopeInTheDark]

Let's share savings / budgeting tips when it comes to healthy eating and grocery shopping.

I know this theme has been done to death before but most of us are now in a different routine to pre-lockdown. Going out expenses (restaraunts etc) are mostly gone but with kids being constantly at home this means cooking both lunch and dinner most days. I've got two teenagers and the grocery bill comes at £400 a month (this includes toiletries and pet food). I think I can do better.

So, what are your current savings tips?

By my reckoning that's £5 per day per person. Based on 3?

Less meat and fish, make bigger portions so they can stretch to lunch, spend 10 minutes doing a meal plan/shopping list and buy only what's on your list. It does work, I do it.

Jamie Oliver website is a good starting point, lots of quick, nutritious, adaptable recipes there.

Yes, 3 people, and both teenagers eat way more than I do (1.5 adult portion). So something like £4.50 per person per day. I'll try meal planning and making sure everything gets used up. I like Jamie Oliver website!

We like bulking out meals like chilli, stews, etc. with extra beans, chickpeas, and mushrooms.
All really healthy and cheap. That means you either have more left overs for the next day or you can cut down on the meat portion to save money!
Some people don't like mushrooms but you really can't tell they are there. They just add a extra depth of flavour

Eat seasonal, local produce.
Make sure you don’t waste anything - if a dish requires half a punnet of mushrooms, plan to use the other half in another dish later in the week.
Bulk meals out with veg and pulses.
Use small amounts of strong flavourings like Stilton or chorizo to pack a punch.
Use frozen and tinned alongside fresh ingredients.