This month we've pulled together some amazing tips, tricks and secrets from nzgirls all over, to bring you the very best in tried & true recipes for success. Click here to find out more...
Whether you’re at uni, have just started flatting or you’ve been out on your own for a while, the truth is we’d all like to spend less on grocery shopping and more on our winter wardrobes!
Shopping on a budget doesn’t sound exciting and often brings to mind bland, unhealthy food or living on mince and sausages. But it doesn’t have to be this way. It’s definitely possible to cook great tasting, healthy meals with lots of variety without breaking the bank.
Here are some tips get you started...
1. Buy Cheaper Protein Sources Meat is one of the big costs when grocery shopping, but saving money in the meat department doesn’t mean just eating sausages and mince. There are some great nutritious and cheap protein sources that can be included in a wide range of meals. This includes canned tuna, eggs and legumes.
2. Legumes –The Unknown Super Food Legumes are a class of vegetable that include beans, lentils and peas. Legumes are a great source of protein and make a good substitute meat when combined with other protein sources. Not only are legumes a source of protein, they are low in fat, contain no cholesterol, and are high in iron, potassium and magnesium. And they are cheap! A can of chickpeas is under $2 at the supermarket. Next time you’re cooking, try adding some legumes and halving the amount of meat you use. For example, use kidney beans in spaghetti bolognaise or add a can of chickpeas to a curry.
3. To Market, To Market… Fruit and vegetables can often be purchased much cheaper at your local market. Check your area and see if there is anything around, it might be an extra trip, but you will save a lot! Make sure you are getting five serves of fruit and veges every day. Frozen vege can be reasonably priced and are still a great source of vitamins and minerals. Canned fruit is also handy to have around in winter when fruit can be pricey. Make sure it’s in natural juice not syrup.
4. Crockpot Cooking It may not be very cool, but once you get one, you’ll never go back. Making meals in a crockpot or slow cooker is a great money and time saver. Because it cooks the meat slowly, you can utilise cheap cuts of meat, such as lean blade steak and it will be lovely and tender. Chuck all the ingredients in the crockpot before you leave the house in the morning, and when you get home, your meal is ready!
5. No Frills Buying “budget” no brand foods can save you a lot of money. Often the foods are the same taste with the only difference being in the price. Also, shop at the cheaper supermarkets such as Pak n' Save – it’s true, they do have the lowest overall food prices. If there’s nothing close to you, make sure you use discount cards or coupons and check out what’s on special in the flyers that come with the junk mail.
6. Take Advantage of Specials Each week supermarkets can have good specials. When something is on special, stock up! For example, if chicken breast is cheap, buy extra and freeze for later on.
7. Make a Proper List Last but not least, make sure you just go to the supermarket once a week. Plan what you’re going to have for the week, write a list and make sure you get everything you need. It’s much cheaper to do one big shop than going every few nights to get bits and pieces. Also, pool your money with the other people you live with. Shopping will be a lot cheaper if you all do it together.
A little bit of planning, a little bit of creativity and sussing out the specials equals a recipe for healthy eating with cash left to spare!
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out on your own for a while, the truth is we’d all like to spend less on grocery shopping and more on our winter wardrobes! 
Here are some tips get you started...
3. To Market, To Market…
5. No Frills
7. Make a Proper List