I have 34 meals in my freezer. I’m just going to buy essentials like milk and bread, vegetables and fruits, frozen wedges, red potatoes, cheese etc every week. Plus my bran-flake cereal and instant coffee. Until this alll runs down and then I’ll do a weekly shop with meats and fill my freezer for a week and main meals at around 22nd Feb. I think I can get my food bill under £20 a week for 34 days… Any suggestions on how to achieve this and what stuff to buy which is cheap and healthy to go with my meals
This is what I have in the freezer for main meal. (I have loads of side dishes and loads different frozen veg as well and loads of cupboard stuff)
2 packs of sausages - 4 meals
8 meat pies - 8 meals
2 breaded fish - 2 meals
1 packet of chicken strips - 2 meals
Mince beef 500g - 2 meals
Chicken thighs 1kg - 2 meals
4 Chicken Kiev’s - 4 meals
6 mini pizzas - 6 meals
4 sausage rolls - 4 meals
Do you live in shared housing with a communal kitchen? If so, how do you have space in the freezer for so much of your food? Where do your housemates put their food?
We have two big fridge/freezers in communal kitchen. I have one to myself until another resident moves into my supported living, then I will have to share a fridge/freezer.
Here in the states, if you’re going to buy vegetables and fruits, you buy the ones that are currently in season. You can always buy cheap staples like dried beans and pasta. And rice. Make a pot of rice, it makes about 4 servings. Canned food like soups and beans and chile and stuff like Chef Boyardee often have too much sodium which can give you high blood pressure. Buy whole grain wheat or multigrain bread on sale, none of the white stuff.
A good rule of thumb for healthy eating is the plate method. Every meal make half your plate non starchy vegetables, 1/4 of your plate lean proteins and 1/4 healthy carbohydrates like bread, whole grain pasta, rice, low fat dairy, fruits, etc.
The Plate Method is a meal planning technique that uses a plate divided into sections to guide food choices. The goal is to eat more nutrient-dense foods and fewer processed foods.
How to use the Plate Method
Divide a 9-inch plate into four equal sections
Fill half the plate with non-starchy vegetables
Fill one quarter of the plate with lean protein
Fill the remaining quarter with a fiber-rich carbohydrate
Optionally, add a small portion of fruit or milk
What to eat
Non-starchy vegetables: Leafy greens, bell peppers, carrots, green beans, broccoli, and more
Lean protein: Fish, poultry, lean meat, tofu, or beans
Fiber-rich carbohydrates: Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, or whole wheat bread
What to limit
Added fats like butter, margarine, shortening, mayonnaise, gravies, cream sauces, salad dressing, and sour cream
Sugary or starchy foods like potatoes
Red meat and cheese
Bacon, cold cuts, and other processed meats
Refined grains like white rice and white bread
The Plate Method can be customized for many types of cuisines and dietary preferences, including: heart-healthy, diabetes-friendly, and plant-based.
Probably get more out of your mince beef and chicken thighs if you make soup. Or pair them with veggies + potatoes, rice, or noodles. Same goes for the fish, sausages or chicken strips.