Mum Jane Ashley used to sometimes spend over €170 per week on food shopping until she had a thought-provoking conversation with a friend.
Her friend who volunteered with a local food bank, told her about those struggling to afford basic food according to The Irish Sun.
Jane decided to cut back on her own grocery spending and lead a more frugal lifestyle.
This #jerk #chicken meal is from my £10 a week budget challenge https://t.co/7obU0UE6qA #delicious recipe from @jamieoliver #budgetMeals pic.twitter.com/xS1gVk5Csq
— Eat Not Spend (@foodologistgirl) January 31, 2017
She decided to attempt to feed her herself, her husband and 19 year-old daughter for just over €1 each per day and began planning cheap healthy meals.
Jane set up her own blog Eat Not Spend and quickly acquired a captive audience.
In addition to the thrifty recipes, Jane also advises readers on practical ways to save money.
https://t.co/TbEwnWDUdZ This roasted cauliflower meal from my £1 a day food challenge. Recipes on my blog a great way to finish #Veganuary pic.twitter.com/SVBsmuXavT
— Eat Not Spend (@foodologistgirl) January 31, 2017
She's even came up with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free meals which still come in under budget.
Jane says she devises simple recipes as she herself couldn't cook until a few years ago. She also swears by preparing food in advance.
"I work full time so I try to do as much prep work for the week ahead at the weekends as possible to save time midweek," she explains.
https://t.co/XHnHgrmqKZ this whole pasta meal is from my £1 a day food budget challenge. Recipes on my blog #budget #OnePoundMeals #saving pic.twitter.com/drEoqKO2Hr
— Eat Not Spend (@foodologistgirl) January 31, 2017
Her grocery shopping tips include:
Checking what's in the cupboard and fridge before going shopping.
Buy an entire chicken instead of portions.
Buy groceries online if you can't trust yourself in the supermarket.
Check prices weekly, supermarkets are always reducing and increasing prices, wait to buy something if necessary.
This treacle tart uses #leftover bread crusts to make the filling. Recipe on my blog https://t.co/pOZO5MvwWl under leftover cake recipes pic.twitter.com/BlDjqW6Mpw
— Eat Not Spend (@foodologistgirl) January 31, 2017
We're definitely inspired by her tasty treats and budget meals.
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