Brunt and Fussell is a locally run estate agency here in Bristol. We deeply care about the community. We wouldn’t be able to sell houses here if we didn’t.
As many households are looking for ways to save money this winter, we’ve put together a helpful guide on how meal planning is a great way to do just that.
Why You Should Meal Plan
Meal planning has a lot of amazing benefits. As many of us are trying to save money over the next few months, meal planning is also a great way to achieve that.
When you meal plan you can plan specifically what food items you need to get from the shop, so you’re not overspending or throwing away food that goes bad. It also means you can buy and cook in bulk, which is a way to buy fewer items.
If you have a crazy schedule, it also ensures that you’re eating well-balanced meals despite the chaos. You don’t have to think about what’s for dinner, which takes a massive mental load of your week. There is also less energy involved because you’re not cooking and cleaning up each night.
How To Get Started Meal Prepping
First, start by writing out all the meals that your household loves to eat.
You can go through it in several ways.
Cuisine: Italian, Thai, Indian, Brazilian, or Chinese
Family recipes: Pot roast, bangers and mash, or curry
Prep ahead meals: Slow cooker meals or leftovers
Quick and easy meals: Sandwiches, pasta, or burgersYou don’t have to stick to these meals every single week.
Second, Schedule Meals to Specific Days
Every household is different. Some people want to know what each day will be, and if they can make it ahead.
But when you’re planning, consider what events are coming up.
Do you have date nights, dinner with guests over, sleepovers, or birthdays?
Sync your meal plan up to your iCal or Google Calendar to easily see what meals might need to be changed depending on events or changes.
Our Favourite Budget Friendly Meals
- Spaghetti and meatballs are an all-time classic on a budget meal. Most people can enjoy this meal, especially the youngsters.
- Lentil curry in a slow cooker is a quick, reliable, easy meal to make that is incredibly affordable. This one might not be for the picky eaters, but it works if you’re trying to cut out meat.
- Viral Feta Pasta Bake was super popular during the lockdown, but it’s still a great quick, cheap meal. Try substituting the feta for goat cheese.
- Pork Goulash is a delicious stew that will warm you to your bones, and you can make a heaping portion to last you a few extra meals.
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup is an incredibly filling soup that is extra delicious with some sourdough on the side or even a bread bowl.
- Jacket potatoes are simple, easy and incredibly versatile. You can top them with bacon and sour cream, chilli, curry, or mince beef.
- Bean Burgers are a great way to sneak extra veggies in, whether you make your own or buy them in the frozen section.
- Breakfast for dinner is a fun way to shake up the week. Kids love a fry-up with pancakes, waffles, and bacon on Tuesday night.
- Roasted root vegetable salads are a wonderful way to get all your nutrients, eat locally, and warm up your plate.
- Fish fingers and chips might be a timeless meal, but you don’t have to be a Michelin-star chef to meal plan.
Follow Your Plan. But Be Flexible.
A plan is a plan. It isn’t the end all be all. It isn’t written in stone.
There are many days after work, you might just want to grab a quick takeaway, and rather than throwing the whole plan out the window, you can just realign it for the week.
This is meant to help you, not stress you out because things got a little off track.
