Hi there! Welcome to my page :).
I created this blog because I know first hand how challenging meal planning and staying within budget can get.
This page is to help make your life a little easier so that you can focus on the more important things in life such as spending more quality time with yourself and family.
So let's start talk about meal planning and food budgets shall we :).
If you're like me, and you love food, you probably end up every month over spending on groceries! For me this has largely to do with poor planning and getting sucked into the easier way out which is buying takeout. I love supporting my local eateries but more often than not I feel guilty about how much I end up spending on food! Sound familiar? Well then keep reading!
Don’t get me wrong: an off day or two a week in the kitchen is 100% essential. But buying takeout on a regular basis is: a) not always cost effective and b) not always healthy or the most nutritional. Because let’s face it, healthy take out options can be really expensive!
Personally meal planning has also forced me to eat a little healthier because when you plan and think ahead, you don't end up scattering through your pantry cupboard for what to eat or end up on your phone placing that order, if you know what I mean.
And because you're cooking most of your own meals, you can control the amount of sugar and fat that goes into it.
I'm all about balance, so you're going to find cream and butter in some of my recipes, but in moderation. After all, we deserve a treat once in a while ;).
With my meal planning, you choose your side dish. I provide you with the main meal dish and how to prepare it and you decide whether to enjoy it with a side salad, rice, rolls, roti or just to simply have it on its own.
I also provide you with cost estimates based on where I purchase my groceries from (see below). If you can find these ingredients cheaper elsewhere without compromising on quality, then great! Do what works for you.
With meal planning:
a) You know what you are going to eat on a specific day.
b) You end up saving money, because you buy only that which you need.
c) As a result you limit waste.
d) You know the ingredients. So there’s no guesswork of what you and your family are eating.
And just like that you’re already on your way to being a better version of yourself, awesome wife/partner and parent!
Told ya, I’m here for you :).
Every weekly menu consists of 6 meals, because you need at least 1 day off. Each meal can serve at least 4 adults. If you're cooking for 2 people, simply halve the ingredients.
I purchase my groceries from Woolworths, Checkers and Spar. I purchase almost all of my spices and rice from Atlas.
Each weekly meal plan will consist of at least 1 fish, 1 chicken, 1 veg, and 1 red meat option. Every Friday I will upload a new weekly menu so that you can shopping and prep on the weekend.
Sound good? Well then click here for your weekly meal plans.