1. Out with the old and in with the new
Sit down and have a think about your health, lifestyle and eating habits. Assess what is in your cupboards and whether your diet consists of fresh, homemade foods or shop bought pre-packaged and processed meals. Make a list of all the things you want to change, come up with some goals and stick them up on the fridge or somewhere visible.
2. Avoid convenience food
It might be tempting to pick up a meal for one and sit in front of the TV when you get home, but try to avoid doing this. Most ready-meals are filled with preservatives and additives, and high in fat, salt or sugar. It can be just as quick to reheat some leftovers or whip up a salad.
3. Learn to Cook
If you don’t already know how to cook then now is the time, it’s never too late. Learning to cook will reduce your reliance on convenience food and save you money. It doesn’t take long at all to learn a few recipes that you can then always turn to. Consider joining a cooking club or taking lessons so you are not battling on your own.
4. Know the basics
Learn the basics so that when you don’t have time to follow a recipe or don’t have one to hand, you can throw in rough estimates of different ingredients, and still have a tasty meal.
5. Equip your kitchen
If you have a properly equipped and organised kitchen you won’t have to spend time searching for utensils or looking for something to replace the utensil you need. You don’t have to go all out and get a new kitchen, just the basics to make cooking easy and enjoyable.
6. Start simple
Don’t take on too much all at once: create a plan that is easy to follow and that you won’t feel overwhelmed by. Take simple and sustainable steps, such as cooking from scratch a few times a week, cutting out one unhealthy food type or introducing one new food kind.
7. Eat more meals at home
Once you have got to grips with the basics of cooking and know a few recipes, try to eat more meals at home. Not only is this cheaper, but it also means that you know exactly what you are eating – you control the ingredients, nutrition and portion sizes.
8. Plan ahead
Cooking from scratch isn’t always easy when you’re busy during the week, but planning can make it completely manageable. Plan a menu ahead for the week and do a shop before it starts. That way you have everything you need for when you get home in the evening. If you are out during meal times, pack a homemade meal or snack — that way you can save money and make sure it’s healthy.
9. Make a grocery list and stick to it
Think in advance and prepare a list of what you want to cook for the week. By having a list of ingredients for specific meals you’ll be less likely to pick ready meals or anything else that tempts you as you browse the supermarket.
10. Stock your pantry with the basics
It’s a great idea to go through your pantry and have a think about the basics — oils, tinned tomatoes, spices, herbs and grains. If you have a well-stocked and organised pantry then you’ll always be able to rustle up a tasty homemade dish, even on the nights when you don’t have time to pick up anything extra from the shops.
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