Get a personal diet plan
10 budget ways to follow the Gi diet
The Gi diet is quite expensive for a person on a Uni budget, so I'm basically trying to stock up on vegetables, fruit and plain meat. I've switched to skimmed milk too. Do you have any advice for someone who is trying to eat well but can't afford to spend too much? - Harleyquinn
It is entirely possible to eat well and keep the grocery bill down. Shopping later in the day means that you can take advantage of cheaper bread, dairy products and other foods that are nearing their sell by dates. To help you stick to your food budget and eat healthily, here are eDiets' ten top penny-wise tips:
1. Cut out convenience
Convenience items like pre-cut veggies, pre-cooked chicken, bags of grated cheese, pillow packs of salad and ready meals are more expensive than the whole items because you're paying for the labour involved in making them easier to use. Take the extra time to wash and prepare your own lettuce leaves or chop your own vegetables and you can save during each trip to the supermarket.
2. Re-evaluate your current costs
You might actually be spending less extra money on your new food than you think. If your cupboards are currently filled with crisps, chocolate, premium ice cream, biscuits and drinks, do a price check. Most of these foods are taxed at a higher rate and, as a result, are even more costly than healthier snacks like fruit and vegetables.
3. Go for slow food, not fast food!
Instead of individually packaged products or instant anything, stick with the original, no-frills product. For example, buy porridge oats instead of instant oatmeal. They still cook in just minutes in the microwave and you save a significant amount of cash. The same goes for regular rice as opposed to instant and real potatoes instead of packet mash. Swap ready-to-eat cereals for oats, puffed rice or other generic grain. Not only are they less expensive, they're usually healthier, too, since they have less added sugar and salt and more filling fibre to help your heart.
4. Liquidate extra expenses
Fizzy drinks, juice and alcohol may be some of the priciest items in that trolley. Switching to water will not only save you a lot of calories and help promote weight loss, but unless you prefer bottled to tap, it's free!
Delicious
Digg
reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Horoscopes| Message Boards | Quizzes | Newsletters | Join
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB
