Whether your monthly food budget is R2 000 or R10 000, careful planning is essential to make sure you stick to it.

Here are seven ways to prepare meals without going over budget:

1. See what you already have.

Look in your food pantry to see if there are any ingredients you can use for your meal preparation.

2. Make a grocery list.

If your pantry falls short of ingredients, write down only that which you need to make your dishes.

3. Eat before you shop.

The only way to keep to your grocery list (and your budget) is if you go to the shop on a full stomach. That way, the delicious treats will distract you.

4. Check for discounts.

Check which items are on special or if there are any “buy 5 for R100” type of items. That way, you get more products for less.

5. Try the supermarket’s own brand.

All products are essentially the same, whether you buy a well know brand or a no name brand. When doing a price comparison, the no name brand’s products are usually the cheapest.

6. Buy in bulk… and save!

Meat is an example of buying in bulk. If you buy big quantities of different meat products, it is likely that you will have more meal ideas to choose from, and that way you will not have to refill your pantry that often.

7. Plan to use leftovers.

If all else fails, reheat some of the food you made the previous night. Another great way to use leftovers is to freeze pasta dishes. It is easy to reheat and tastes just as good.

Happy saving!

ALSO READ: Beat mid-month blues and manage your money wisely

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