Shop smarter, eat better

Is all that cost of living economising getting you down? Eleanor has some timely, helpful advice

- ELEANOR CRIPPS

Fleeding yourself, and perhaps an entire family, can feel relentless and endlessly expensive, especially in today's world. As a mum of four (with three older, always-hungry children), meal planning, grocery costs and time spent in the kitchen take up a huge amount of my thoughts, energy and effort.

The daily grind of cooking will always have its nitty-gritty challenges but there are certainly ways to make things easier for yourself.

I'm always about simplifying creating a home space filled with a sense of ease and clarity, and the same goes for daily cooking and meal planning. A little strategy really does go a long way. Here are my best tips for keeping costs down and setting yourself up for a stress-free week in the kitchen.

1 SHOP IN SEASON AND SUPPORT LOCAL

Before heading to the supermarket, make a stop at your local farmers’ market or greengrocer. It may seem more timeintensive, but the price and quality are usually better, not to mention infinitely more inspiring to work with in the kitchen. Plus, small-scale growers and independent stores will truly appreciate your support.

If you have the space, growing your own produce can also make a huge difference – whether it’s a big garden patch or simply a pot of herbs on your windowsill. I don’t have a thriving veggie garden (despite my dreamy ideals), but I always keep fresh greens and herbs on hand as they’re low-maintenance to grow.