S-T-R-E-T-C-H YOUR FOOD BUDGET

MORE VEG, LESS MEAT

Halve the amount of meat in your meals and replace it with veg or pulses. In curries, try butternut squash, tomatoes or chickpeas; in Bolognese or chilli use lentils or beans.

EAT SEASONALLY

Stick with in-season fruit and veg: it will be tastier and cheaper. Buying locally-grown produce should also save you money, and as it cuts down on food miles it’s also better for the environment.

MEAL PLANNING

A sure-fire way to help you eat better and reduce your food bills. Plan meals around what you already have in the fridge, cupboard and freezer.

STOCK UP YOUR STORECUPBOARD

Dried herbs and spices can transform budget meals. Tinned pulses and lentils are cheap and a great filler for meals as well as being a low-fat source of protein.

USE YOUR FREEZER

Batch cooking is great for the budget-conscious and saves time. Freeze leftovers, too.

GROW YOUR OWN HERBS

Crucial for adding flavour, herbs are also packed with vitamins and minerals. And home-grown herbs are cheaper than buying from the supermarket.