ConsumerValue: Groceries
3. Make fresh meals
Take-away, frozen, pre-packaged and pre-prepared meals can work out a lot more expensive than making fresh meals yourself.
If you feel you won't have the time each night to prepare a fresh meal, make several meals at the weekend or one evening and freeze them for use as you choose.
Not only will they be cheaper, they are generally healthier too.
Nutritious meals
Many people might be put off by the prospect of spending hours in the kitchen, but with so many excellent recipes and easy-to-source ingredients now available, nutritious meals can be prepared in the time it takes to wait in line at the fast food outlet.
Avoid pre-prepared fruit and vegetables unless you are very caught for time.
Buying raw, whole fruit and vegetables can be a lot cheaper than buying pre-sliced, washed and prepared ones - why pay someone else to chop and wash it for you?