How to feed your family healthily on a budget

For some reason, a healthy diet is often thought to be expensive. In reality, this doesn’t need to be the case!

Healthy eating doesn’t mean having to resort to super green powders, fancy seeds and nuts or magic smoothies.

So, what makes a meal healthy?

Let’s have a look at the NHS eat well plate

Healthy plates are complete and balanced from a macro- and micronutrient point of view.

This means they contain a good amount of carbohydrates (starchy foods and fruit/vegetables), protein (meat, fish, eggs, beans and milk/dairy products) and fat – these 3 are our macronutrients. But all these foods also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, which are our micronutrients.

Eating well is really important for the whole family: we all need good fuel to be sharp, feel energetic and look after our health.

But we know that the cost of living crisis is a real concern for lots of families right now, and when fast food is so cheap compared to buying fresh produce and cooking, we can totally understand why healthy fast food isn’t always as appealing.

So, how can you spare a few pennies while ensuring good eating?

• Buy seasonal: don’t go looking for watermelon in winter, but rather try to buy produce as it becomes more widely available. More of a product available = lower cost.
• Have a good look through the frozen aisle: you will find plenty of vegetables, fruit and fish/meat in bigger quantities, at a more affordable price and, often, already prepped! This will not only save you money, but you will also ensure you’re eating fresh food that can be ready within minutes with minimal fuss.
• Make an eating plan: having a plan makes it so much easier to make a shopping list. And having a shopping list means that you don’t waste money on things you don’t actually need. Check out our website and Instagram for recipe ideas!
• Save your shopping list: chances are you and your family eat similar foods week in and week out. Most online shops allow you to save your favourite shopping list – do it! It will take you a minute, but will save you lots of time every single time. And if you’re an in-person shopper, have a shopping list ready in your phone’s notes. Either way, you’ll just need to make small tweaks every time, you’ll feel less stressed about what you need and you won’t wander around picking up on offers you don’t need.
• Buy in bulk: buying in bulk can often be cheaper than buying small quantities, so use what you need and freeze/store the rest for next time.
• Stock up on cupboard essentials: ready cooked beans/pulses, grains and rice, pasta. Again, bigger packs mean cheaper price so opt for those when there’s the option. This will always guarantee you a healthy meal with minimal fuss.

We are really passional about healthy nutrition, not only for grown-ups but for the whole family. We really hope this comes across and that this blog has given you some inspiration to go shopping and start cooking for your family.

For more inspiration, guidance and tips, keep your eyes peeled as we’re about to launch our guide on how to feed your family the aceWAY. If you enjoyed this blog post, you’re sure to love this guide!!