Can we eat well on a budget?

With the current economic situation there is a huge focus on healthy eating on a budget. Can it be done?

It sure can! Numerous people tell me that they can't possibly eat well on a budget and that its always easier (and cheaper) for them to buy a fast food meal. So to investigate I logged on to Woolworths online shopper and looked at just how cheap meals can be. I love pasta and am a huge fan of it in meals - for this example I have gone with spaghetti bolognaise and vegetables - perfect for a cold winters night.

Spaghetti Bolognaise

500g of Penne Pasta $2.70
350g of Signature Range Tomato Pasta Sauce $1.99
750g of Signature Range Frozen Mixed Vegetables $3.49
560g of Premium Beef Mince $8.49

How to make - place mince in a non stick fry pan and cook until browned through. Drain off any excess fat and add pasta sauce. Warm through while you cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. While this is cooking place your mixed vegetables in a steamer, microwave or boil in a small amount of water (to prevent loss of too many nutrients). Once everything is cooked, place the pasta on your plate, top with the mince and pasta sauce mix and put plenty of mixed vegetables on the side. This will easily serve 4 - 5 people, and all for a grand price of just $16.42.

Lets just compare that to a KFC Family Meal Deal where you get 10 peices of original fried chicken with 4 family sides - not exactly a complete meal esecially if you choose soft drink and fries as your sides, and it costs $28.90! I know which one I would rather choose!

It's not hard to eat healthy and for minimal cost - the food you create at home will have more nutrients, taste better and fill you up for longer!

More strategies that can help in lowering your food costs are:

- take a list of what you need and don't deviate from that
- avoid in store demonstrations : you will end up buying it if you like the taste
- buy fruit and vegetables in season
- if you see specials for staples (such as canned fruit, rice, pasta) then make use of these
- avoid the treat food aisles
- avoid buying soft drinks : water is free at home!