We all know that the cost of a weekly shop is ever-increasing at the moment, don’t we?
I’m really focusing on our weekly meal plans at the moment because I want to really be mindful about what we’re eating right now and that means putting real thought into what I plan and what we buy when we’re shopping.
I want us to eat well and am very lucky that we’re in a position to be able to choose what we eat and where we shop but that doesn’t mean that I want to waste money so I’ve been thinking about the kinds of meals that we’ll be eating in October.
We’ll be planning our meals on a Sunday and making sure that they include a good choice of meals that are tailored to this time of year which is ideal for slow cooker meals, soups and casseroles – all of which are ideal for batch cooking and freezing leftovers for a later meal so it’s a win win.
Here’s our first meal plan of the month…
Lots of root veg in there so things like carrots and butternut squash in there along with some favourites that I know everyone will eat. I got some lovely sausages from the farmers market
These are the tips that I’ve pulled together to help me with my overall meal planning:
Buy seasonal produce – Pumpkins, squash, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, and apples are cheaper and fresher in autumn.
Batch cook warming meals – Make soups, stews, and casseroles in bulk, then freeze portions for easy, low-cost dinners.
Switch to cheaper proteins – Use beans, lentils, chickpeas, and eggs more often in place of pricier meat.
Shop own-brand – Try supermarket value ranges for basics like pasta, oats, flour, and tinned goods.
Use “wonky veg” boxes – They’re usually cheaper, perfectly good, and great for soups and roasts.
Plan meals around offers – Check the weekly supermarket deals and build your menu from discounted items.
Make packed lunches – Autumn leftovers (soups, pasta bakes, jacket potatoes) pack well and save £3–£5 per day.
Bake autumn treats at home – Homemade bread, flapjacks, or apple crumble cost less than shop-bought versions.
Switch to frozen fruit & veg – They’re cheaper, last longer, and reduce waste, especially for berries, peas, and spinach.
Use up what you have – Have one “use it up” dinner each week to clear out your fridge and avoid food waste.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to feed your family and I genuinely think that one way to save is to buy and eat seasonally so I hope this helps. 😁
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