Got to get my shopping bill down need help

belfastgirl23

TBH Frags I think I'd let him cook for himself Seriously. My DH goes through phases of getting obsessed by particular types of food and I tend to just let him get on with it. Even now what I usually do is say 'I'm having X tonight do you want some?' and if he says no then that's fine, he understands that it's up to him to figure out an alternative. he will sometimes say to me what's in and I'll steer him in the direction of something. I find that talking about it earlier in the day helps (tho might not work if he's a lorry driver). Can I ask, is he away for days on end (ie are you sending him off with three packed lunch sort of things) or is he back but at odd hours of the day and night?

I still do personally get the thing of not being sure what I fancy. The biggest difference for me is trying to start with what I have in the house when I'm thinking about food rather than starting with all the possible foods I could want (if you see the difference). So I'll run through in my mind roughly what's in the freezer etc. I also deliberately try to steer myself towards foods that I know need used up, so tonight I'm mulling over some celery And coming to the conclusion I fancy risotto with a celery base mmmm...

And will look forward to seeing you on the December challenge. As a comparison, I'm down about a third on what I spent on groceries last year and am now making extra payments into my mortgage. Okay only £50 a month but it's something I've been wanting to do for ages and controlling the grocery budget has meant I can...

Good luck

moanymoany

Hi Frags, over the past year I've really cut back the food bills. Look at the 'freezer building blocks' thread. I don't meal plan as such. But I do have ingredients that I can make up quickly if I have to.

I understand your problems with a fussy Mr. Frags, but you only need to cater for him at the weekends. For the food you send him off with, it is possible to go for the level below - eg named brand to own brand?

There are lots of frugal recipes out there. I use a lot of beans that I soak, cook and freeze.

Dried soya mince in a ratio of 4 to one, slowly increased to a third is not noticable in mincy stuff.

Perhaps you could give us a run down on what he eats each week, including the food you send him off with. This means we can advise on ways to 'cheapen' it without losing quality.

moanymoany

Ooops! Pressed the button twice.

skipkoo

Hi Fraggs
I would love to know what your partner does all week for food when he is away driving. I ask this cos my partner is a driver and away all week too.
S

Charlton_King

You might take a look at this thread from a year ago:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=326929

Lots of good ideas for cheap meals.