Banting: cut costs without trimming the fat

7 Steps to success ... on the cheap

IF you’re planning on banting but the lifestyle change is as daunting as the changes it will mean to your budget, then these tips will help.

Banting doesn’t need to be a shock to your wallet. If you commit to the new eating plan then your budget shouldn’t crash and burn overnight.

1 CHOOSE DAY 1 CAREFULLY”

The best thing to do is to start on a weekend, then you can plan your first trip to the shops and your meals for the

first few days of your new low carb – high fat eating plan. It will also be a great trial run for whether you’re going to need snacks in between meals or not, and stop you from making impulse buys during lunchtime at work or when the work day is done.

2 EAT NOSE TO TAIL

You don’t have to only buy expensive steaks. Try and not waste any meat and make stews so that you get the most out of your meat budget. Also keep in mind there are other cuts of meat like shin and chuck which are budget busters and banting friendly.

3 BUY IN BULK

There are certain staples you will need in your kitchen cupboards so stock up on them. Eggs, nuts and seeds are great for when you need a quick snack and won’t go to waste if it’s left on the shelf for a few days.

4 MAKE YOUR OWN FLOUR

Nuts and seeds are great bases for flour and you can make it yourself in a blender. Be creative, use your home made flour for pancakes and quick fries which you know will keep you going for at least a few hours.

5 PACE YOURSELF AND YOUR BUDGET

There are banting branded products like xylitol on the market, but don’t splurge in the beginning when you’re starting out. Window shop and check out what are the core ingredients in these products and either try to make it yourself or shop around. Keep an eye out for farmers and pop up markets.

6 BEYOND BACON

Bacon is easy to prepare but there are other options. Pork sausages and rashers are great alternatives. In fact, sausages are real winners.

7 BE PICKY ABOUT YOUR VEGGIES

Vegetables can be expensive if they’re not in season. But you can make better decisions before your hit the shops. Often pumpkin is cheaper than butternut but you’ll learn as you get more banting savvy. Try different vegetables; squash and broccoli might not be high on your list but they are budget friendly.