Eating delicious and nutritious meals doesn’t have to break the bank. With careful planning and a few clever tricks, you can eat well and save money. Here are some tips to help you meal plan on a budget:

Firstly, plan your meals around sales and discounts. Check your local grocery store’s weekly flyer and plan your meals based on what’s on offer. Stock up on non-perishable items when they are on sale, such as canned goods, pasta, and rice. This will help you save money and always have a well-stocked pantry.

Cooking from scratch is almost always cheaper than buying pre-made or convenience foods. By preparing your meals, you can control the cost of ingredients and reduce waste. Look for recipes with simple ingredients and that don’t require specialized equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.

Buy in-season produce, which is usually cheaper and fresher. For example, enjoy asparagus and artichokes in the spring and strawberries and cherries in the summer. Frozen vegetables and fruits are also a great budget-friendly option as they are usually frozen at their peak and can be more affordable than fresh produce.

Leftovers are your friends! Cook in batches and use leftovers for future meals. This saves time and money, and it ensures you always have a home-cooked meal ready to go. Invest in good storage containers to keep your meals fresh and organized in the fridge or freezer.

When it comes to meat, buy in bulk and freeze individual portions. Meat can often be the most expensive part of a meal, so buying in bulk can save you money. Look for cheaper cuts of meat and use a slow cooker to make tasty and tender meals.

Reduce food waste by planning meals that use similar ingredients. For example, if you’re making a stir-fry that calls for half a pepper, plan another meal that week that uses the other half, such as stuffed peppers. This will ensure that you use all the ingredients you buy and reduce waste.

Keep your pantry and freezer stocked with staple items. This way, you’ll always have something to fall back on and won’t be tempted to order take-out. Stock up on items like rice, beans, pasta, and frozen vegetables, which are versatile and can be used in a variety of meals.

Lastly, make your snacks. Instead of buying expensive packaged snacks, make your own, like popcorn, granola bars, or fruit leather. This is a healthier and more cost-effective option. You can also customize the flavors to your liking.