Eat healthy ON A BUDGET

How to keep your grocery bill in check while you and your family focus on eating good-for-you meals

1 Go meat-free a few days a week

Vegetarians can save hundreds of dollars a year not buying meat, but even just one or two meals a week make a difference, cost and healthwise. Simply swapping in beans or legumes (such as lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, soy beans, peas or pinto beans) for chicken in a vege stir-fry once a week will save you money and meet your protein quota. They’re also a great source of fibre and vitamin B. Another plus to making the switch is there’s no cooking involved. You simply open the can, rinse the beans underwater and they’re ready to go.

2 Prioritise frozen produce