If you are trying to lose pregnancy weight and save a bit of cash at the same time, there are some simple swaps that you can try in the kitchen.
Not only is the alternate option cheaper, it also means that you won’t be rushing off to the supermarket to pick up an ingredient that you may not have needed – and you won’t end up buying other impulse purchases while you’re there. A double win!
These healthy eating swaps will not compromise on flavour either – let’s do the switch!
Swap avocado for cottage cheese or cream cheese
When avocadoes are expensive (or you’ve just run out) you can add the creamy touch by using cottage cheese or cream cheese instead. Pop it on top of your Healthy Nachos and you won’t miss the avo.
Swap store bought herbs for home grown
Many of us unhappily fork out $4 for a bunch of basil or parsley, use half in a recipe, and then end up tossing out the rest a week later. Instead, invest in some seeds or small plants and grow your own herbs.
You don’t need a large space, even just some empty tomato tins can work as herb pots. You can pick as you go so there’s no wastage at all.
Swap single serve yoghurts for large tubs
Sure it’s convenient to buy single containers of yoghurt for your snacks or for your child’s lunchbox, but there is a big difference in cost compared to buying a large 1kg tub.
You can decant yoghurt into a small container, or you can even buy reusable squeeze pouches for the kids (they can even go in the dishwasher). Buy plain yoghurt and add your own flavourings such as cinnamon, honey and vanilla.
Swap cream or sour cream for yoghurt
In many recipes, it’s the creamy dollop at the end of the method that can see you heading to the shop for a carton of cream that you only use ¼ of. Instead, just use some natural or Greek yoghurt instead.
You’ll also save on calories while you’re doing it. This would work in recipes such as soup where the yoghurt would be mixed in at the end.
Swap chicken breast for a whole chicken
It’s generally a lot more economical to buy a whole chicken instead of pieces of the bird. Roast it up (or buy one already cooked) and use the leftovers for sandwiches or salads the next day. Read how one chicken can make 3 meals here. You can even make your own chicken stock with the carcass.
Swap grated cheese for a block of cheese
Another convenience product that packs a punch in the value stakes – it is much cheaper per kilo to buy a block of cheese than to buy it pre-grated.
When you have you food processor out, simply grate up enough cheese for the week and store in a plastic tub in the fridge. You’ll save money as well as extra ingredients – grated cheese has more ingredients than block cheese as it needs to avoid clumping together.
Swap packaged cereals for oats
The kids might love a certain wheat biscuit or muesli, but if you can get into the habit of eating porridge oats instead you’ll save cash every week. Try these fantastic Overnight Oats.
Swap pre-packed kids snacked for homemade versions
We all love the convenience of popping a box of sultanas or a small packet of popcorn into a lunchbox, but you are definitely paying for the privilege.
Instead, buy a 1kg pack of sultanas and pop a single serve into a tub for your child to snack on. Buy popping corn and make your own in the microwave to then place in a container for the lunchbox.
Swap bottles of salad dressing for homemade dressing
There’s no need to fork out on pre made dressings when you can make your own so easily – and without preservatives or added sugar. Check out our simple salad dressing recipes here.
Swap fresh berries for frozen
In recipes like Healthy Mummy Smoothies, using frozen berries is not only cheaper it also adds a nice cool touch to the taste. Frozen berries are much more economical, and it means you will always have them on hand. Try to buy Australian grown where possible.
