HEALTHY FOOD TRICKS TO SAVE YOU MONEY

Watching your weight and making your groceries stretch further for less is easier than you think

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Feeling the pinch? You're not alone 86%* of Brits say they're concerned about the day-to-day cost of living. But while you might think eating healthily on a budget isn't an option, there are plenty of savvy tips and tricks that can help protect your bank balance while keeping your waistline in check. And no- you don't need to sacrifice the variety of your meals or lose the enjoyment of cooking. Here's how.

PICK THE RIGHT CARBS

They often get a bad rap, but carbs make an important staple in a healthy diet if you choose the 'good' kind - which are complex carbs. Why? Not only do they contain fewer calories than processed carbs (think cakes, pastries, white bread and pasta), they're also rich in fibre, regulate blood sugar levels (reducing those sugar cravings) and improve digestion. What to shop for? 'Add whole foods to your diet, such as dried peas, beans, lentils and brown rice, to keep you fuller for longer without breaking the bank,' says Henry Firth, co-author of BOSH! On A Budget**.

BUY OWN BRANDS

Choosing less expensive brands can make a big difference to your grocery bill. 'It's always worth reading the label though, as cheaper brands sometimes have higher quantities of salt (but not always),' says nutritionist Jess O'Shea. For products such as cereals, milk and butter, there's usually no difference in nutritional value between own-brand and name-brand foods.

SHOP SEASONALLY