Money saving with no Freezer?

level200

Hi Guys
I'm moving into a new flat but it only has a fridge with small ice compartment. Any ideas how a single bloke can save money on food etc.. without a freezer to freeze leftovers?

Cheers for any help

aliasojo

Buy yourself a small freezer.

I'm actually serious. We moved into a rented place with a small fridge with an ice box and we spent a fortune on shopping simply because we couldn't store leftovers or multi buys. We bought a freezer and it made a huge difference. There wasn't any room in the kitchen for it so it's not exactly something that blends in, but we can now take advantage of BOGOF's and 'close to date' reduced stuff.

DirtPoorGuy

I know it is difficult cooking for one, especially when trying to buy fresh meat, until you buy a freezer try and plan your meals, for example if you buy 250g of minced beef then use it as an ingredient over 3 days, bolognese day one, shepherd pie and lasagne on the second day, by cookng 2 dishes on the second day you buy yourself an extra day to have the third dish you have ready in the fridge, this is just an example, it isn't going to be easy.

Alternatively if you have a friend you could split meat with or take it in turns to cook a meal for both of you.

babyshoes

I second the suggestion to buy a freezer. Secondhand from ebay is fine, or you may even find one on freecycle/freegle. You may need to schmooze a friend with a large car or van to collect it!
Also, remember that leftover food lasts a few days in the fridge, especially if it is set low enough.

You could also explore the possibility of more meat-free meals. There are loads of threads on here, as well as zillions of easy recipes if you ask Auntie Google nicely. If you like baked beans, they are actually fairly healthy as they are full of fibre and protein, though some brands are a bit high in sugar and salt so keep an eye on your overall consumption of those. They are pretty good as a cheap once or twice a week supper, or a more frequent lunch. Lentils are also apparently easy to cook and are very good for you as they are also high in fibre and protein, but I haven't explored them myself - my colleague makes a mean curry with lentils, spices and not a lot else, from what I can tell!

If you will be shopping frequently, you need to work out how to avoid the temptations (a list helps) - a little snack each time you go in doesn't add up to too much if you shop monthly, but does add up quickly if you are shopping daily! Also, find out when the best time for reductions is in your local supermarket and try to shop then, so you can see if you can find something cheap to use for supper that night and adjust the rest of your shopping accordingly. Unfortunately mine does their reductions at lunch time, so I can't shop then as I am at work, (except in the school holidays, when I always go just after lunch.)