The Saver's "New Beginnings" Diary

The_Saver_2

I mentioned in an earlier post that I have started adding "fillers" to some meals to make them stretch further but without comprimising on taste.

I've been browsing on MSE today and I came across some really informative posts from Weezl. One post in particular mentions the importance of getting a rainbow of colours in your diet each day.

So, I'm going to think of the meals that I already cook where I can change the recipe to encourage me to make it into a "rainbow" dish. The first recipes that would be easy to adapt (and I probably add these already) are chilli or spag bol:-

White - Onion/Garlic
Red - Tomatoes, Kidney beans (chilli), red pepper
Green - green pepper or peas, maybe some chopped up courgette
Yellow/Orange - grated carrot,yellow pepper
Blue/Purple -

I've started with the easiest recipes of all but I'll go through my recipe book and make sure I update as many of them as I can.

This challenge will be more of a healthy lifestyle one than anything but by making a point of adding the extras every time I cook, my aim is to get one more portion out of every meal that I can then freeze.

TS

The_Saver_2

Check out the low spend forum - I've just ordered a free Christmas card for my OH and saved over £5. Hallmark are giving away 10,000 free cards - all you need to do is pay P&P. P&P is about 47p for medium cards but I chose a large card (for even bigger savings!) and I only had to pay 75p P&P!

I also ordered a box set of Coen Brothers DVDs for £3.99 (4 DVDs!). I can't remember which forum the post was on but this will be a brilliant Christmas present or stocking filler (depending on how generous I feel nearer the time! :rotfl:)

It definitely pays to keep an eye out on the various MSE forums to pick up gems like these.

DiggerUK

The_Saver wrote: »

Blue/Purple -

Braised red cabbage?

The_Saver_2

Digger UK - I think red cabbage, even when its braised, comes under the "red" category.

The only thing I can think of is Aubergine and blueberries. Probably not in the same meal though!

TS

Masomnia

Beetroot? Not sure how you could work that in to a meal though!

Reading along and enjoying to so far, funny how once you get in the mindset for saving money it all just becomes second nature.

Best of luck anyway

malihat

Hello The Saver. Just wanted to say that you're doing a great job and good luck! I find your posts quite interesting so I will be checking back on your topic from time to time

DiggerUK

The_Saver wrote: »

Digger UK - I think red cabbage, even when its braised, comes under the "red" category.

The only thing I can think of is Aubergine and blueberries. Probably not in the same meal though!

TS

Er, not quite right. A red cabbage is more purple than red.
And after it is braised it changes colour again.
Perhaps you could put some blueberries in the braised cabbage in place of apple?

http://science.howstuffworks.com/vegetable/question439.htm

Mint1955

This is really interesting keep posting. Just a different slant but its realy made me think.
Sheila

victory

This is really interesting, keep it up, will prob steal some of the ideas though;)

The_Saver_2

Wow - I can't believe how long it's been since I last posted!

An update:

The moisturiser is still going strong and will easily last me 2+ months. This makes the cost less than £12pm (rather than the original £23pm which I thought). I easily offset £12pm by going shopping less frequently as this saves me petrol, car parking fees and spending money.

The fillers and rainbow-coloured veg have now become second nature and I routinely add them to meals. This results in an extra portion being left over which I eat for lunch the next day or, occasionally, I freeze. I've also started to stop eating when I'm not hungry (rather than when I'm stuffed to the brim!). This is great when I have takeaways as I'm always left with a small portion which is perfect for lunch the next day (and it tastes even better too!).

My latest challenge is to go through my wardrobe and have a clear out. I have to match every piece of clothing with a "partner". If I have anything that doesn't go with anything else then I have to buy something to go with it :T or I have to ditch it :eek:. There are a couple of tops I have that I have never worn because they just don't go with anything that I currently own :rolleyes:. Time to be ruthless.....

TS