Supermarket shop
Cook with beans and pulses Cheap, tasty and nutritious, beans and pulses are an excellent way to eat both healthily and cheaply. Soak overnight and boil in water before adding to dishes. Some lentils in particular cook very quickly, thus saving fuel too.
Bake your own bread A breadmaker can be picked up for under £30. At around £1.40 a loaf it will soon more than repay itself.
Use farmer’s markets Bargain fruit and vegetables can be picked up at these markets, as well as at farm shops.
Shop alone The more people you bring with you, the more chance there is of picking up unnecessary items at the supermarket.
Check your sell-by dates So much food is thrown away – a terrible, expensive waste. Meat and dairy products are especially vulnerable. It pays to get into the habit of regularly checking your fridge for items about to go off.
Use leftovers A little imagination turns left over food into tasty meals. Scraps of meat and withered veg can easily be made into a tasty and healthy risotto or fried rice dish.
Avoid ready meals Often expensive and in many cases not very healthy, ready meals are not compulsory, even for busy people. A microwave jacket potato, or pasta dish, are preferable and demand little effort.
Measure out your carbohydrates You can easily cook too much of basic staples such as rice, potatoes and pasta. Avoid waste – and eating too much of these foods - by measuring out portions carefully.
Do one weekly shop only Extra little trips to the shops will always result in your spending more. A little organisation pays off.
Make a list See above. Knowing exactly what you want - and sticking to it - is good way to avoid overspending. Meanwhile check your receipt when you get home to see how much you are actually spending.
Grow your own Producing your own greens can be a satisfying and money-saving hobby. If you don’t have a garden, you could still grow some herbs in window boxes – or apply for an allotment.
Written by Andrew Stucken, this article was first published on January 6, 2011. Andrew's opinions are his own and for general information only. Always seek independent, professional, financial advice.