FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Can you eat healthy for under a fiver?

Can you eat healthy for under a fiver?

By *hagTonight OP Man over a year ago

From the land of haribos.

I say yes you can, did you also watch jamie olivers program about it years ago? He gave good tips and recipes of how you could come up with good dishes for under a fiver.

I dont know why some people think you cant do it? The key is to use simple ingredients, for example a very good breakfast would be oats and for dinner tuna, pasta and mixed vegetables, what ideas do you have for inexpensive food recipes?

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By *RANDMRSJAECouple over a year ago

chester

Yes you can!! Porridge oats for breakfast!

A huge pan of chilli might cost more than £5 to make (if you bought 1kg of mince) but it’s more than 1 meal!

I think it’s reasonably easy, just a bit of imagination needed. Also, not to be a fussy eater! That’s half the battle sometimes

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By *allySlinkyWoman over a year ago

Leeds

How long does the £5 need to last for ? A meal ? A day? A week ?

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

Under £5 a day? Easily for one or two people, a family of four or over not so easy on a daily basis

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By *idnight RamblerMan over a year ago

Pershore

"I say yes you can, did you also watch jamie olivers program about it years ago? He gave good tips and recipes of how you could come up with good dishes for under a fiver.

Yes, basic ingredients are still fairly inexpensive, but remember to factor-in energy costs for cooking.

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

On the one hand we're being asked to eat five portions (at least) of fruit and veg daily and on the other to cut back our spending. Two adults and two children = 20 portions daily. There goes your fiver

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By *ryandseeMan over a year ago

Yorkshire

I hope this is not one of those threads telling how easy it is to live on very little money. We have seen politicians trying to live on £10 for a week and such like do their week and then go back to lobster and caviar. Sustaining this kind of thing over long time, feeding a family with nutritious food etc is just not possible. There was a lady in TV the other day saying she only has £15 for food for them two and their child for a weel, heart retching. Sorry Shag, no offence to you or your thread, just my opinion although if course its possible to make a lovely meal for a fiver.

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By *andyfloss2000Woman over a year ago

ashford

Yes for sure I belong to a face book page eat for £1 a day! Not as easy as it was when first started out but can b done! Wouldn't want to mind x

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By *annaBeStrongMan over a year ago

wokingham

Rice, beef, frozen veg

So yes

But most people can’t do without their mouth pleasures. Even if it means poverty

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

Inexpensive meals

Jacket potato with one of the following tuna, cheese, baked beans plus vegetable of choice

Omelette with ham or cheese

Spanish omelette.

Pasta with homemade sauce.

Macaroni cheese

Cowboy pie= sausage meat layered with small tin baked beans in a dish, mashed potato on top baked until cooked through.

Tuna pasta bake.

Tin of tuna, white sauce with chopped parsley top with mash = cheap fish pie.

Tuna mixed with mash and lightly fried = fish cakes

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By *idnight RamblerMan over a year ago

Pershore

Just done some basic adding-up, and it's a struggle for one person to eat on £5 a day tbh. If you consider multiple drinks like tea, coffee and the fraction of milk, sugar, kettle cost. Then all the ingredients and cooking energy needed for 3 meals. Hard to get under £5.

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By *eavenscentitCouple over a year ago

barnstaple

Much easier if you are a single person, throw in children and pets and it's more difficult.

Plus, why should some have abundance whilst others struggle ?

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Per meal you absolutely can. A big pack of chicken thighs are cheap, cook them slowly and they’re delicious. with potatoes/rice and veg

Or buy a piece of pork which is around a fiver and that will last you a good few meals with veg and potatoes

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By *idnight RamblerMan over a year ago

Pershore

"Much easier if you are a single person, throw in children and pets and it's more difficult.

Plus, why should some have abundance whilst others struggle ?"

A chap called Mr Marx (not Groucho) wrote a book on that topic.

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By *KG12Couple over a year ago

Burnley

For a single person or couple, just accounting for the ingredients for meals, and not energy costs, you could probably eat healthily for £5 per day. But if you add things like coffee and energy prices then it wouldn't happen.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

In theory, yes, but I have food intolerances. Cheap healthy meals for most people would make me tired and sluggish in the short term and break out in weeping sores if eaten regularly.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I’m hoping this post isn’t a dig at families living in poverty. It is possible to eat for £5 but you’ve also got to factor in energy costs to cook, transport to the shop to buy the food and the fact that nobody in this country should be struggling that much.

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

"For a single person or couple, just accounting for the ingredients for meals, and not energy costs, you could probably eat healthily for £5 per day. But if you add things like coffee and energy prices then it wouldn't happen. "

We could buy the ingredients for healthy food for £5 a day for the two of us. I don't know if we could also cook it for that. We would certainly have to get rid of our pets, stop eating a mid morning snack and limit our hot drink intake.

I'm sure Jamie Oliver is a very nice man with the best if intentions but I get a bit cross when millionaires tell me how to live on nothing

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By *KG12Couple over a year ago

Burnley

"I’m hoping this post isn’t a dig at families living in poverty. It is possible to eat for £5 but you’ve also got to factor in energy costs to cook, transport to the shop to buy the food and the fact that nobody in this country should be struggling that much."

Fully agree. Nobody should be struggling to the point where they are choosing heat over food or vice versa. Don't think the OP was having a dig at anybody, just a generalised question on the current climate

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Under £5 a day? Easily for one or two people, a family of four or over not so easy on a daily basis"

I’m currently doing a full week shop for myself for under 40 quid. And that’s including shite and beer I don’t need.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

With all other costs included probably not unless you buy a meal deal for 3 quid

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By *ong-leggedblondWoman over a year ago

Next Door

You can eat for £5 per day for 1 or 2 people but not constantly and not really if you've more mouths to feed.

I would rather spend extra money on quality food, especially meat, rather than cheap frozen meat and prefer fresh veg over frozen, so my £5 a day goes out the window often.

I do batch cook which helps.

I also only eat 2 meals a day, a later breakfast and evening meal.

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By *uke olovingmanMan over a year ago

Gravesend

Easy peasy ...especially when you get a reduced to clear opportunity

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I'm sure Jamie Oliver is a very nice man with the best if intentions but I get a bit cross when millionaires tell me how to live on nothing "

Not to mention, apparently the programme was years ago.

Costs are not the same now, compared to years ago.

I wonder how he's get along now.

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

I'm sure Jamie Oliver is a very nice man with the best if intentions but I get a bit cross when millionaires tell me how to live on nothing

Not to mention, apparently the programme was years ago.

Costs are not the same now, compared to years ago.

I wonder how he's get along now."

Jamie Oliver? His restaurants failed I think but he's got a new series on one pan cooking.

Cooking a meal in one pan is a good money saving tip actually. I think his motives are good but he lost me when he suggested that we should all be buying chickens at £12 each and make them do more than one meal. It showed how out of touch he was.

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By *om and JennieCouple over a year ago

Chams or Socials

It’s not particularly healthy but Co-Op do a £5 deal. This week is 2 portions of fish, 8 fish fingers, a bag of alphabites, a bag of frozen mixed veg & a tub of Dairy Milk caramel ice cream.

J x

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By *xploring_FunWoman over a year ago

Coventry

The problem isn’t a single meal for a low cost. Everyone can do a few meals.

The big issue is when it’s long term because that’s when things like oil, stock cubes, salt, pepper and the likes have to be budgeted for as well.

Occasional cheap meals are easy. Cooking nutritional cheap meals that have a decent taste on a regular, or constant, basis is not so easy.

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By *eavenscentitCouple over a year ago

barnstaple

"Easy peasy ...especially when you get a reduced to clear opportunity

Easy for one adult to go in a shop or shops for this, dragging kids in to hunt for bargains is not easy.

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By *ryandseeMan over a year ago

Yorkshire

"The problem isn’t a single meal for a low cost. Everyone can do a few meals.

The big issue is when it’s long term because that’s when things like oil, stock cubes, salt, pepper and the likes have to be budgeted for as well.

Occasional cheap meals are easy. Cooking nutritional cheap meals that have a decent taste on a regular, or constant, basis is not so easy."

and the stress and mental health damage done in constantly struggling to achieve that for your family and having to choose between nutritious food, hear your home, buy clothes for your kids or even a bed for them to sleep on as a programme I just watched highlighted l, makes me angry. I would not dream at pontificating at those that struggle. Sensible advise perhaps but anything else, well...

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I'm sure Jamie Oliver is a very nice man with the best if intentions but I get a bit cross when millionaires tell me how to live on nothing

Not to mention, apparently the programme was years ago.

Costs are not the same now, compared to years ago.

I wonder how he's get along now.

Jamie Oliver? His restaurants failed I think but he's got a new series on one pan cooking.

We often use one pan cooking.

I was meaning, if he was to repeat that under £5 series, how he'd get along.

I assume some of the meals would now be taken out.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

5 x chicken and mushroom king pot noodles.

Boom! Done.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"5 x chicken and mushroom king pot noodles.

Boom! Done.

I wonder how much those 8p packets of noodles are now.

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

I'm sure Jamie Oliver is a very nice man with the best if intentions but I get a bit cross when millionaires tell me how to live on nothing

Not to mention, apparently the programme was years ago.

Costs are not the same now, compared to years ago.

I wonder how he's get along now.

Jamie Oliver? His restaurants failed I think but he's got a new series on one pan cooking.

We often use one pan cooking.

I was meaning, if he was to repeat that under £5 series, how he'd get along.

I assume some of the meals would now be taken out. "

Oh right I understand

I don't know. I reckon it's achievable but only with very specific ingredients and short cooking times. Put it this way I doubt him and Jools feed their children for £5 a day

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Per meal you absolutely can. A big pack of chicken thighs are cheap, cook them slowly and they’re delicious. with potatoes/rice and veg

Or buy a piece of pork which is around a fiver and that will last you a good few meals with veg and potatoes

That's definitely possible if per meal is inferred. Anyway I am out as I watching the news at the moment showing families struggling to provide a bed for their kids. Apparently nearly 30% of families struggle with that and rely on charity support to provide a bed gor ther child. It's just so sad "

It’s absolutely heartbreaking I can’t believe the times we are living in hearing things like that.

Last year I think it was on breakfast news a teacher had set up a charity to help families as she found out some of her pupils didn’t even have a bed or pyjamas and all the other basics we take for granted

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By *rNaughtyNickMan over a year ago

Birmingham

Indeed you can but with these energy prices going up it'll cost alot more to cook a warm meal !

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

"Per meal you absolutely can. A big pack of chicken thighs are cheap, cook them slowly and they’re delicious. with potatoes/rice and veg

Or buy a piece of pork which is around a fiver and that will last you a good few meals with veg and potatoes

It’s absolutely heartbreaking I can’t believe the times we are living in hearing things like that.

We hear much more about it now but over twenty years ago I know if a teacher who took a loaf of bread, butter and jam into school each morning to make breakfast for the children she knew wouldn't have eaten

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

£5 a meal? How many people? I have me and four teens to cook for.

Veggie chilli is doable and makes some to freeze. Tins of beans/tomatoes, spices, frozen onion, brown rice, lentils. That includes store cupboard stuff though.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

In theory you can. On Thursday I cooked something with chorizo and chicken thighs. Fed 3 of us and was able to freeze 2 portions. Cost bout £5, when factiring in spices, herbs, chick peas, tomatoes etc.

There is a but here though. Im retired, love cooking and have been cooking fir years, have time to do it, have a well stocked kitchen, can afford to buy in bulk and over the years have built up a lot of good and useful kitchen equipment; plus the tomatoes and herbs were home grown. I have the time and inclination to spend time in the kitchen and allotment growing food.

Last night I cooked a roast. Cost again about £5. Only bought the chicken and the lemon to flavour it, all veg etc was home grown.

Imagine though if I was a single parent without a car, 3 young kids, unable to buy in bulk, no one really taught me how to cook Im sure the situation would be very different.

Whilst i may generalise and be slightly stereo typical my point is its not just about cooking proper food cheaply and well, its about gaving the time, the skill and ability to do so

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

It's a great idea for some poverty porn tv. Film some skint parents cooking rice and frozen peas by candlelight.

Celebrity presenters in a brightly lit studio could taste the meals, rate them and the winner gets a big bag of rice and some wonky veg.

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By *ora the explorerWoman over a year ago

Paradise, Herts

Be good to have a money saving tip/food ideas section on here. I’ve got a few ideas from some of the posts I’ve read lately.

I think what i made last night was probably well under a fiver for 5 of us.

Tin and half of tomatoes, an onion, a red pepper, clove of garlic, couple of tablespoons of philly, some herbs all blended in blender. A bag of tagliatelle and some grated cheese on top. Was bloody lush!

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By *ugby 123Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

O o O oo

"I say yes you can, did you also watch jamie olivers program about it years ago? He gave good tips and recipes of how you could come up with good dishes for under a fiver.

How many people for the meal? Does the £5 include going to buy the food, gas or electric to cook it? Are you going by the prices years ago that was on the programme or prices now?

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By *yron69Man over a year ago

Fareham

Liver and onions.

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By *uke olovingmanMan over a year ago

Gravesend

"Easy peasy ...especially when you get a reduced to clear opportunity

Easy for one adult to go in a shop or shops for this, dragging kids in to hunt for bargains is not easy."
very true

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By *uke olovingmanMan over a year ago

Gravesend

If you want to pick up bargains try the too good to go app

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By *allySlinkyWoman over a year ago

Leeds

"Liver and onions."

Where are the carbs ?

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By *2000ManMan over a year ago

Worthing

Can get 'imperfect'/misshapen fruit and veg for a cheap price which is a good start.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Slog your guts out all day long. Pay sh#t loads in tax. Then give another large lump of your hard earned over to the greedy energy companies then sit back and enjoy a glass of water and a bowl of rice lol.

Somethings seriously wrong guys if we keep allowing this.

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

"Slog your guts out all day long. Pay sh#t loads in tax. Then give another large lump of your hard earned over to the greedy energy companies then sit back and enjoy a glass of water and a bowl of rice lol.

Somethings seriously wrong guys if we keep allowing this.

We will keep allowing it. We're already adjusting and preparing to be less well off.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

May be worth creating a post for cheap meal and recipe ideas.

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By *ora the explorerWoman over a year ago

Paradise, Herts

Somethings seriously wrong guys if we keep allowing this.

We will keep allowing it. We're already adjusting and preparing to be less well off. "

It’s the businesses it will affect too though. Especially those who provide more luxury items which people will cut back on. I usually buy a couple of bunches of flowers each week, that would be one of the first things to go. Desserts, biscuits, cakes etc.

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By *ugby 123Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

O o O oo

Somethings seriously wrong guys if we keep allowing this.

We will keep allowing it. We're already adjusting and preparing to be less well off. "

That is the worry with the utilities , once we all get used to paying it they won't bring it back down...or bring it only half way down

A bit like petrol...goes up from just over a quid to over £2, then goes down to around 1.70 and people think phew, it has gone down now...when it has still gone up over 50%

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Somethings seriously wrong guys if we keep allowing this.

We will keep allowing it. We're already adjusting and preparing to be less well off.

That is the worry with the utilities , once we all get used to paying it they won't bring it back down...or bring it only half way down

A bit like petrol...goes up from just over a quid to over £2, then goes down to around 1.70 and people think phew, it has gone down now...when it has still gone up over 50% "

That is so true!

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By *lynJMan over a year ago

Morden

"Liver and onions.

Where are the carbs ?"

Add some mashed potato.

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

Somethings seriously wrong guys if we keep allowing this.

We will keep allowing it. We're already adjusting and preparing to be less well off.

That is the worry with the utilities , once we all get used to paying it they won't bring it back down...or bring it only half way down

A bit like petrol...goes up from just over a quid to over £2, then goes down to around 1.70 and people think phew, it has gone down now...when it has still gone up over 50% "

Yep. We live in interesting times

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

Somethings seriously wrong guys if we keep allowing this.

We will keep allowing it. We're already adjusting and preparing to be less well off.

I agree. We have cut back on trips out etc and will cut back further

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Somethings seriously wrong guys if we keep allowing this.

We will keep allowing it. We're already adjusting and preparing to be less well off. "

Yep. It'so great people sharing recipes etc to save costs but the sheer amount we're all going to get hit with very soon isn't going to be balanced out by eating rice n beans and not tumble drying your knickers once a week. The government knows we'll just suck it up like usual but this time will be different. We're not talking a minor inconvenience. Life or death. Quite happily shut us down for months in Covid to 'protect us'.

What will they do now?

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By *agan_PairCouple over a year ago

portchester

I'd say so, our weekly shop for 2 of us on average comes to between 35-50 a week. And that includes treats. I'd say I could get that down more.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I think you can yes, but you'll be living on the very basics and it will suck the life and soul out of you. Just because you can live like that, doesn't mean it's ok.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I'd say so, our weekly shop for 2 of us on average comes to between 35-50 a week. And that includes treats. I'd say I could get that down more."

But why should you? Do you think our MPs will be?? We'll be covering their expenses including energy whilst we sit around in our sleeping bags eating cold 'value' beans.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I think you can yes, but you'll be living on the very basics and it will suck the life and soul out of you. Just because you can live like that, doesn't mean it's ok. "

Exactly this.

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By *ora the explorerWoman over a year ago

Paradise, Herts

"I'd say so, our weekly shop for 2 of us on average comes to between 35-50 a week. And that includes treats. I'd say I could get that down more.

But why should you? Do you think our MPs will be?? We'll be covering their expenses including energy whilst we sit around in our sleeping bags eating cold 'value' beans."

It won’t just be people on low wages suffering. People live to their means. Someone on 20k a year is likely to have lower mortgage/rent/outgoings than someone on 50k a year. It’s all relative though. Doesn’t mean the person on a higher wage isn’t going to struggle.

This will affect everyone.

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By *hagTonight OP Man over a year ago

From the land of haribos.

"Be good to have a money saving tip/food ideas section on here. I’ve got a few ideas from some of the posts I’ve read lately.

I think what i made last night was probably well under a fiver for 5 of us.

That sounds lovely

"
Yes, it it would be a good idea to have this kind of section on the forum too and yes, it does sounds lovely and a good food idea as well

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I'd say so, our weekly shop for 2 of us on average comes to between 35-50 a week. And that includes treats. I'd say I could get that down more.

But why should you? Do you think our MPs will be?? We'll be covering their expenses including energy whilst we sit around in our sleeping bags eating cold 'value' beans.

This will affect everyone. "

Definitely this. Will only be the high end earners/wealthy that won't really feel this and will be fine.

All part of the plan me thinks.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Yes you probably can but factor in allergies and/or intolerances and it's not that simple. I have both in my household which immediately puts the cost of food up. It's not possible to swap it out for cheaper products unless I want to make my child or myself ill.

Pxx

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By *ora the explorerWoman over a year ago

Paradise, Herts

"I'd say so, our weekly shop for 2 of us on average comes to between 35-50 a week. And that includes treats. I'd say I could get that down more.

But why should you? Do you think our MPs will be?? We'll be covering their expenses including energy whilst we sit around in our sleeping bags eating cold 'value' beans.

This will affect everyone.

Definitely this. Will only be the high end earners/wealthy that won't really feel this and will be fine.

All part of the plan me thinks."

It’s just all so surreal! Covid, now this. It’s like wtf has happened to normal life! Will it ever return. Scary times x

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By *ohn KanakaMan over a year ago

Not all that North of North London

"Wouldn't want to mind x"

And that's the point, when I was unemployed ariundca decade ago I'd eat porridge for breakfast and stuffed pasta and pesto for dinner almost every day with an occassional treat of sonething yellow stickered

I wasn't hungry but fucking hell it was miserable

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By *agan_PairCouple over a year ago

portchester

"I'd say so, our weekly shop for 2 of us on average comes to between 35-50 a week. And that includes treats. I'd say I could get that down more.

But why should you? Do you think our MPs will be?? We'll be covering their expenses including energy whilst we sit around in our sleeping bags eating cold 'value' beans."

I don't do it because I have to, that's just what our diet costs on a weekly basis. Does not mean that I couldn't spend more, it would just go to waste. And leaves me a lot more for shiny things, whisky and champagne each month.

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By *ryandseeMan over a year ago

Yorkshire

Sharing saving tips is great and I have fine it myself. Telling people who are struggling that it's their fault and should do better and passively accept their lot without knowing their circumstances including as many have said, size of family, alergies, disabilities and so many other factors, it's not

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Gregs butty and latte £2.75 done

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By *ohn KanakaMan over a year ago

Not all that North of North London

"I'd say so, our weekly shop for 2 of us on average comes to between 35-50 a week. And that includes treats. I'd say I could get that down more.

But why should you? Do you think our MPs will be?? We'll be covering their expenses including energy whilst we sit around in our sleeping bags eating cold 'value' beans.

This will affect everyone. "

Absolutely this. A lot will be down to how much disposable income people have which is not just connected to income.

And middle income families are going to find the energy price increases just as hard to handle as low income families. Interestingly a new poll stats almost half of tory voters currently favour renationalisation of utility firms which is probably the biggest sign its not just low income families dreading this winter

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I'd say so, our weekly shop for 2 of us on average comes to between 35-50 a week. And that includes treats. I'd say I could get that down more.

But why should you? Do you think our MPs will be?? We'll be covering their expenses including energy whilst we sit around in our sleeping bags eating cold 'value' beans.

Lol shiny things. I don't think there'll be much shiny stuff in the coming months lol

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By *den-Valley-coupleCouple over a year ago

Cumbria

£5 is a massive amount for one portion £2.50 a day easy.

Buy cock for 4 people then freeze remembering that shop always make you pay more for less get to know and look at the unit price..

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"£5 is a massive amount for one portion £2.50 a day easy.

Buy cock for 4 people then freeze remembering that shop always make you pay more for less get to know and look at the unit price.."

I'll skip buying cock but I've heard it's full of protein

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By *oncupiscentTonyMan over a year ago

Kent

"Rice, beef, frozen veg

So yes

But most people can’t do without their mouth pleasures. Even if it means poverty "

Think I'd be a bit sick of beef rice and veg for tea again by about Wednesday

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"£5 is a massive amount for one portion £2.50 a day easy.

Buy cock for 4 people then freeze remembering that shop always make you pay more for less get to know and look at the unit price.."

Not always, they can sometimes pull the trick to have us believe it's a better deal.

Be sure to check, compare and don't assume.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple over a year ago

North West

Jamie's Money Saving Meals, series 2. Broadcast in 2014, so 8 years ago. Food prices have gone up almost 15% since then. Doubt that the £5 thing is going to be as useful as it was then, especially if needing to account in reality for the massive increase in energy needed to store and cook the food (which Jamie's recipes/programme did not account for).

He generally did recipes for 4 people (unsure of adult to child ratio) but when you look at his website of "money saving recipes", the prices cited are per portion. The first recipe I clicked on was aimed at 4 people, £2.30 per portion based on Tesco prices. £9.20 is a lot of money!

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By *agan_PairCouple over a year ago

portchester

"I'd say so, our weekly shop for 2 of us on average comes to between 35-50 a week. And that includes treats. I'd say I could get that down more.

But why should you? Do you think our MPs will be?? We'll be covering their expenses including energy whilst we sit around in our sleeping bags eating cold 'value' beans.

Lol shiny things. I don't think there'll be much shiny stuff in the coming months lol"

There will be here. No mortgage, solar for electricity. Plenty of spare cash each month. It'll dent that perhaps a tiny bit, but other than that business as usual.

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By *den-Valley-coupleCouple over a year ago

Cumbria

"£5 is a massive amount for one portion £2.50 a day easy.

Buy cock for 4 people then freeze remembering that shop always make you pay more for less get to know and look at the unit price..

Not always, they can sometimes pull the trick to have us believe it's a better deal.

Be sure to check, compare and don't assume. "

This is why you need to check unit prices..

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By *ohn KanakaMan over a year ago

Not all that North of North London

"Jamie's Money Saving Meals, series 2. Broadcast in 2014, so 8 years ago. Food prices have gone up almost 15% since then. Doubt that the £5 thing is going to be as useful as it was then, especially if needing to account in reality for the massive increase in energy needed to store and cook the food (which Jamie's recipes/programme did not account for).

Also the 15% figure is misrepresentation as a disproportionate amount of essentials have increased far more than average this year alone because the supermarkets are obviously maximising profits

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By *inky_couple2020Couple over a year ago

North West

Also the 15% figure is misrepresentation as a disproportionate amount of essentials have increased far more than average this year alone because the supermarkets are obviously maximising profits"

Yes, the 15% is an average.

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By *ittleMissCaliWoman over a year ago

all loved up

I like the Lidl meal plans for family's.

Think it's now taken off the amount but does suggest 3 meals a day for a family of 4...think originally it was for £20, then £25

But the meal plans themselves with shopping lists can be very helpful x

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I'd say so, our weekly shop for 2 of us on average comes to between 35-50 a week. And that includes treats. I'd say I could get that down more.

But why should you? Do you think our MPs will be?? We'll be covering their expenses including energy whilst we sit around in our sleeping bags eating cold 'value' beans.

Lol shiny things. I don't think there'll be much shiny stuff in the coming months lol

There will be here. No mortgage, solar for electricity. Plenty of spare cash each month. It'll dent that perhaps a tiny bit, but other than that business as usual."

Hi Boris! When people are freezing this winter, the thought of you having spare cash will keep them warm. Thank you for letting us know.

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By *ugby 123Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

O o O oo

"£5 is a massive amount for one portion £2.50 a day easy.

Buy cock for 4 people then freeze remembering that shop always make you pay more for less get to know and look at the unit price.."

What's the best way to cook the cock?

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By *gent CoulsonMan over a year ago

Secret hideaway in the pennines

My monthly food shop bill is about £60, this includes meats, frozen veg, and store cupboard essentials.

I shop once a month so I would say my food bill is definitely less than £5 a day and covers breakfasts, lunch and dinners.

I bake my own bread, pastry and sweet treats, I make my own Ice-cream.

I have a vac packer to portion the meats into single person portions, what is left over from making chilli, casseroles and stews will get vac packed and frozen so there is alway something in the freezer

My biggest weekly expenses after that is milk which has just gone up again.

I have an app called trolley which tracks the price on supermarket products which helps keep my food shop bill within budget

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By *oncupiscentTonyMan over a year ago

Kent

There will be here. No mortgage, solar for electricity. Plenty of spare cash each month. It'll dent that perhaps a tiny bit, but other than that business as usual."

Think how richer your life will feel steering some of that towards the food bank collection trolley

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By *inky-guyMan over a year ago

Raunds

You can eat for a fiver but a doubt very much that it is health.

Most of our meat is injected with chemicals, like growth hormones to maximise profits

Our fruit and veg is Intensively farmed and grown on ground that has long been depleated of the micro nutrients and minerals our bodies need. They are fertilised with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. This increases yields but has little benefit to the human body.

We have polluted our water so badly that if you regularly eat fish your chances of cancer are significantly increased.

All processed food is bad for you and often contains vast quantities of sugar which lead to obesity and heart disease.

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By *oncupiscentTonyMan over a year ago

Kent

"£5 is a massive amount for one portion £2.50 a day easy.

Buy cock for 4 people then freeze remembering that shop always make you pay more for less get to know and look at the unit price..

What's the best way to cook the cock?"

beat it with one of those wooden steak tenderiser mallets

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By *oncupiscentTonyMan over a year ago

Kent

All processed food is bad for you and often contains vast quantities of sugar which lead to obesity and heart disease. "

Even squeezy cheesy peas?

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By *inky-guyMan over a year ago

Raunds

All processed food is bad for you and often contains vast quantities of sugar which lead to obesity and heart disease.

Even squeezy cheesy peas?"

Sorry even squeezy cheesy peas.

Squeeze cheese sounds pretty processed to me

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By *agan_PairCouple over a year ago

portchester

"I'd say so, our weekly shop for 2 of us on average comes to between 35-50 a week. And that includes treats. I'd say I could get that down more.

But why should you? Do you think our MPs will be?? We'll be covering their expenses including energy whilst we sit around in our sleeping bags eating cold 'value' beans.

Lol shiny things. I don't think there'll be much shiny stuff in the coming months lol

There will be here. No mortgage, solar for electricity. Plenty of spare cash each month. It'll dent that perhaps a tiny bit, but other than that business as usual.

Hi Boris! When people are freezing this winter, the thought of you having spare cash will keep them warm. Thank you for letting us know.

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By *agan_PairCouple over a year ago

portchester

"I'd say so, our weekly shop for 2 of us on average comes to between 35-50 a week. And that includes treats. I'd say I could get that down more.

But why should you? Do you think our MPs will be?? We'll be covering their expenses including energy whilst we sit around in our sleeping bags eating cold 'value' beans.

Lol shiny things. I don't think there'll be much shiny stuff in the coming months lol

There will be here. No mortgage, solar for electricity. Plenty of spare cash each month. It'll dent that perhaps a tiny bit, but other than that business as usual.

Hi Boris! When people are freezing this winter, the thought of you having spare cash will keep them warm. Thank you for letting us know.

"
you're most welcome..

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By *agan_PairCouple over a year ago

portchester

There will be here. No mortgage, solar for electricity. Plenty of spare cash each month. It'll dent that perhaps a tiny bit, but other than that business as usual.

Think how richer your life will feel steering some of that towards the food bank collection trolley "
not that much is my guess.

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By *hoirCouple over a year ago

Clacton/Bury St. Edmunds

"I say yes you can, did you also watch jamie olivers program about it years ago? He gave good tips and recipes of how you could come up with good dishes for under a fiver.

A half kilo of beef mince, eggs, cheese and spices. Sorted.

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

"I say yes you can, did you also watch jamie olivers program about it years ago? He gave good tips and recipes of how you could come up with good dishes for under a fiver.

A half kilo of beef mince, eggs, cheese and spices. Sorted.

No fruit, vegetables or carbs of any sort?

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By *incsladyandscotsmanCouple over a year ago

North fife

The actual cost of turning the cooker is needed here. Cost of journey to pick up said items.

If you use a microwave then a ready meal is possible for one person.

Cooking by ingredients, not a hope unless you deliver gusto style sizes of ingredients.

Good luck all and stay well and safe. This economic crisis will be bigger than the pandemic ever was for this country

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

Have we come up with a definitive answer yet?

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By *inky_couple2020Couple over a year ago

North West

We're a household of 4 adults and 1 child (5, skinny as her Dad but a bottomless pit). There's no way we'd be doing any more than one meal for a fiver (using selling off trolley goods probably) and then, small portions.

I cannot see how we could all eat a balanced diet with breakfast, lunch, tea and drinks for £5 a day, and I am used to budgeting and doing things on the cheap. We do all our own cooking with only occasional forays into lazier alternatives.

Mr KC and I take packed lunches to work, because it's a lot healthier and cheaper. Adult person 4 living in our house can eat some meals each week at work, if there's food going spare at the end of the shift. Adult 3 is out of our culinary hair this weekend as he's working at a festival and gets food vouchers.

However, it's really not cheap in terms of energy use, food and all the rest, to have 4 adults in the house.

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By *uper SaiyanMan over a year ago

Birmingham

Depends on the criteria. Single person 1 meal sure easy enough. But more than that its a no.

If it was £5 for a single person and not per meal- try eating your oats for breakfast, omelette for lunch and forzen veg for a month and see how quickly you would get sick of it - not to mention the lack of nutritional value.

If its £5 a meal thats possible, because that allows for fresher, cleaner ingredients but that now falls apart by how many people need feeding (1 person 3 times a day = £15/day)

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By *rHotNottsMan over a year ago

Dubai & Nottingham

It’s easy yes if you enjoy cooking, and are processed to have the time, tools and skills but it’s little help & quite patronising to tell this to overworked mums with screaming kids. Jamie Oliver is a knob too. People will only learn to cook with space and time to enjoy it & help and support and it takes lots of practice to get to the point where you don’t need recipes.

If anyone wants to learn Indian cooking from me I’m happy to help , it’s probably the cheapest and tastiest way to feed a family , lots of vege or low meat options and staples like rice, gram flour, plain flour are so cheap and versatile

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Have we come up with a definitive answer yet? "

An occasional meal is possible.

Bigger picture, there are many side effects having to do this constantly out of need.

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By *erry bull1Man over a year ago

doncaster

It can be easily done , especially if you buy from markets and farm shops

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

"Have we come up with a definitive answer yet?

An occasional meal is possible.

Bigger picture, there are many side effects having to do this constantly out of need.

So the answer is no

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

"It can be easily done , especially if you buy from markets and farm shops "

Per meal, per person? Per family of four for a day? What are your criteria?

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

can make gr8 mixed soups and pasta dishes for less than a fiver, esp. cooking from leftovers - easily doable for one

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By *inky_couple2020Couple over a year ago

North West

"It’s easy yes if you enjoy cooking, and are processed to have the time, tools and skills but it’s little help & quite patronising to tell this to overworked mums with screaming kids. Jamie Oliver is a knob too. People will only learn to cook with space and time to enjoy it & help and support and it takes lots of practice to get to the point where you don’t need recipes.

We (all 4 of us) can cook. But there's 4 adults plus a child. Even with the stingiest shopping list and frugal buying habits, we will not be able to eat for a fiver a day for all five of us. One meal, maybe. Not three meals or even two. And that's before the gas to cook and electricity to store in the fridge/freezer is accounted for (and going up c.80% soon). Most of our shopping is done on foot or by wheelchair nowadays, so energy there is minimal. I sometimes stop in the car on the way home from work but it's no further than just going directly home (a couple of yards off the main road).

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Have we come up with a definitive answer yet? "

We'll all tolerate being cold and hungry for the first month then when the real cold weather kicks in......strap on your tin hat, batten down the hatches and get ready for a wild ride. Gonna get nasty. I'm picturing dinghies at Dover but going the other way

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By *inky_couple2020Couple over a year ago

North West

"Have we come up with a definitive answer yet?

Yes, the south of France could be nice, but the bit nearest us is just as cold and rainy! We're buggering off to Tenerife for Christmas but we booked before all these price increases happened. Not sure if it'll be a good idea but it's booked now. We'll enjoy while we're there.

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By *rHotNottsMan over a year ago

Dubai & Nottingham

I recently started buying a lot of food like spice online, so much cheaper on Amazon, things like 1/2 kilo of coriander , cumin, packs of cloves , cardamon, vanilla pods. I shop around for meat supermarkets sometimes near butchers , , I only really eat chicken thigh - boneless or on the bone , it’s the most economical and tastiest part of chicken. I buy grade AAA sella rice by 10kg

Tbh no idea what I spend on food , there’s me and one kid, but we feed our friends regularly, some weeks no spend, most weeks £20-30, occasionally 80-100 when I stick up on oil, nuts, spruces etc online

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

McPlant is only 4 quid I think

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By *rincess peachWoman over a year ago

shits creek

"It can be easily done , especially if you buy from markets and farm shops "

What about for those who'd need to take a day off work to get to those markets or farm shops when they're open?

Counterproductive that.

Also, not everyone lives within a reasonable distance of them nor on an accessible route, especially to a farm shop.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple over a year ago

North West

"It can be easily done , especially if you buy from markets and farm shops

What about for those who'd need to take a day off work to get to those markets or farm shops when they're open?

Counterproductive that.

Also, not everyone lives within a reasonable distance of them nor on an accessible route, especially to a farm shop."

We have farm shops, just about within hiking/wheelchair distance and it is NOT cheaper than the supermarket! It's a lot dearer. Lovely stuff, but expensive. And a good couple of miles pushing or walking to get there, with a big hill for most of the first mile.

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By *rincess peachWoman over a year ago

shits creek

"It can be easily done , especially if you buy from markets and farm shops

What about for those who'd need to take a day off work to get to those markets or farm shops when they're open?

Counterproductive that.

Also, not everyone lives within a reasonable distance of them nor on an accessible route, especially to a farm shop.

Ahhh, that's definitely not worth it then. Expensive is the opposite of what's needed right now.

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By *batMan over a year ago

Alicante, Spain. (Sometimes in Wales)

As others have said, the occasional meal for one or two, of course you can. But long term it’s not sustainable.

Which one of the energy firms said they were going to give back 10% of their profits this year?

10% of PROFITS, that means they will happily keep all the money they need to run their business and keep the majority of their extra bucks.

Better than nothing I suppose but pretty shit all the same. Poorer people will still struggle whilst some CEO will make mega bucks. Of course they should be paid well, but some of those bonuses are obscene.

Gbat

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By *rincess peachWoman over a year ago

shits creek

"It can be easily done , especially if you buy from markets and farm shops

What about for those who'd need to take a day off work to get to those markets or farm shops when they're open?

Counterproductive that.

Also, not everyone lives within a reasonable distance of them nor on an accessible route, especially to a farm shop.

Ahhh, that's definitely not worth it then. Expensive is the opposite of what's needed right now."

Plus expelling more energy to get to and from, meaning needing to eat more to replenish nutrients and energy etc.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Yes please, could you do a recipe thread?

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By *om and JennieCouple over a year ago

Chams or Socials

"Yes you probably can but factor in allergies and/or intolerances and it's not that simple. I have both in my household which immediately puts the cost of food up. It's not possible to swap it out for cheaper products unless I want to make my child or myself ill.

Pxx"

A similar issue here as I have to eat low carb which rules out bulking out meals with cheaper options

J x

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By *rettyflamingoWoman over a year ago

Where the flamboyance of flamingos live

They put on good morning Britain this morning that come January it will cost over £5 to use your oven to cook a roast dinner!

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By *xploring_FunWoman over a year ago

Coventry

"can make gr8 mixed soups and pasta dishes for less than a fiver, esp. cooking from leftovers - easily doable for one"

You can’t “cook from leftovers” on a continual basis though. A sustained period on £5 meals isn’t going to give you leftovers to use.

That’s the point the gimmicky people like Jamie Oliver and random politicians miss.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

With effort, yes. I use a lot of tins of beans and pulses instead of meat which helps to make filling, healthy meals quite cheaply. But it can get boring and it's time consuming planning and cooking. If you're working full time, parenting, running a home and trying to have a life, it's not easy.

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By *agertha73Couple over a year ago

Cardiff

"They put on good morning Britain this morning that come January it will cost over £5 to use your oven to cook a roast dinner! "

Yes, this has been coming for a while. Insane.

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By *ust PeachyWoman over a year ago

Prestonish

Pxx"

I have this problem too. I earn just over £20k and have 2 older teens and a dog - which I bought to improve the mental health of my youngest. It’s done this in spades and we all adore him but it’s obviously added to the cost.

About 3 months ago my daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease - which means she can only eat gluten free.

Gluten free wraps, barmcakes, cereals etc work out at least 4 times as expensive as ‘normal’ brands.

Our food bill is massive frankly - particularly as my daughter and I both eat a lot of fresh, healthy food. The only way we can realistically cut down whilst remaining healthy is to read up more on healthy vegetarian and vegan alternatives - which I’m currently doing - but many ‘bulk up’ foods contain gluten.

At the moment our utility bills are low because it’s summer and I have a prepayment meter - so we’re using very little gas. In winter that will obviously change. I’ll probably end up getting a part time job in a bar or something on top of my current full time job to help with the bills. I imagine many other parents who work full time will have to do the same - particularly single parents.

My daughter and her boyfriend both work part time at Macdonalds. Apparently custom has slumped massively over the last few months. If even the cheaper eating out/takeaway options are already feeling a massive pinch, then obviously all will - which- as in covid times - will result in many eating venues going out of business.

Liz Truss has made it fairly obvious that she doesn’t intend to be the champion of the working classes.

I’m off to buy more lottery tickets.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

My ex's mother was a school cook. And jamie olivers assuly on school dinners resulted in lots of parents changing their kids to packed lucnch without checking ehat food was served at school.

This resulted in less funds available for staff meaning the previouy healthy labour intensice meals had to be cut back to less labour intesive frozen ingrediants.

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By *elkieWoman over a year ago

Durham

Easily, yes. £1-£1.50 of that goes straight away on five portions of fruit and veg (that’s 5 x 80g) 90p for three servings of protein (egg, beans or lentils, can’t afford meat at these prices) 90p for wholegrain carbs - wholemeal bread, pasta, etc. Two servings of nuts or seeds, 50p. Garlic, 10p. But. That is based on the assumption that your diet is fuelled mostly by kale. carrots, brown rice and black beans, and gives you £1.60 to spend on treats like tea, coffee, bit of cheese, packet of biscuits, etc.

Also? Don’t forget that many families in poverty are time poor, may not have cooking facilities, or may have children on restricted diets due to disability. Further, for a lot of people, £5 a day on food is a really generous budget. A lot of families are feeding four people for under £50 per week.

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By *mma29Couple over a year ago

wirral

Just live on apples

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

"Just live on apples"

They keep the doctor away

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By *o new WinksMan over a year ago

BSE

Easy. A kilo of 20% fat beef mince.

Add salt.

Done for the day.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple over a year ago

North West

I hadn't even bothered to factor in our need to be lactose free in this house! More supermarket own brand lactofree is making it cheaper but not as cheap as basic ordinary dairy.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I hadn't even bothered to factor in our need to be lactose free in this house! More supermarket own brand lactofree is making it cheaper but not as cheap as basic ordinary dairy. "

I'm finding the own brand stuff difficult to get hold of most of the time especially the milk. We've been stocking up on long life plant milk as a back up.

Pxx

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By *inky_couple2020Couple over a year ago

North West

"I hadn't even bothered to factor in our need to be lactose free in this house! More supermarket own brand lactofree is making it cheaper but not as cheap as basic ordinary dairy.

I'm finding the own brand stuff difficult to get hold of most of the time especially the milk. We've been stocking up on long life plant milk as a back up.

Pxx"

Our Sainsbury's has a regular supply chain their lactose free milk, which we stock up on when it's in. It's cheaper than the branded one. I can tolerate proper hard Cheddar so we buy a big pack of that. I don't really eat yoghurt anymore but occasionally get Alpro set yoghurt with passion fruit or whatever. Children like the Alpro long life chocolate desserts off the shelves. I must say our medium sized Sainsbury's is pretty good.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I hadn't even bothered to factor in our need to be lactose free in this house! More supermarket own brand lactofree is making it cheaper but not as cheap as basic ordinary dairy.

I'm finding the own brand stuff difficult to get hold of most of the time especially the milk. We've been stocking up on long life plant milk as a back up.

Pxx

That's handy. We don't have a local Sainsbury's. Our local Asda seems to have supply issues with their own brand milk and other lactose free products. My son can't tolerate any normal dairy so I have no choice but to buy lactose free for him.

Pxx

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I'm sure Jamie Oliver is a very nice man with the best if intentions but I get a bit cross when millionaires tell me how to live on nothing

Not to mention, apparently the programme was years ago.

Costs are not the same now, compared to years ago.

I wonder how he's get along now."

His son has taken up the mantel

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Just live on apples"

That would give you the pip after a while.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

It's okay figuring out the price of meat or veg and the cost to cook it all, there's also all the little add ins like salt or seasoning or a pinch of this or that. Bulk buying packets or jars of ingredients to last a month or three needs factored in. Or have plain everything which I have done at times.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple over a year ago

North West

"Just live on apples

That would give you the pip after a while.

Not heard that phrase since my Grandad used to say it

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

A really cheap meal for two which is economical on fuel too is egg fried rice

One sachet of basmati microwave rice (35p Aldi), four eggs, garlic, chilli, spring onion, peas, soy sauce, oil

Heat oil in wok, fry garlic and chilli, add spring onions, soften. Add rice stir fry until heated add peas followed by egg. Once cooked add soy sauce and serve.

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By *ilverjagMan over a year ago

swansea

If you shop wisely, and are not to proud to join in the free for all at Morriston when they are reducing for quick sale, you can feed a family for well under a fiver.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"A really cheap meal for two which is economical on fuel too is egg fried rice

One sachet of basmati microwave rice (35p Aldi), four eggs, garlic, chilli, spring onion, peas, soy sauce, oil

Heat oil in wok, fry garlic and chilli, add spring onions, soften. Add rice stir fry until heated add peas followed by egg. Once cooked add soy sauce and serve. "

Mmmmm jotting down.

I'm going to try this at some point. Love these flavours

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By *ryandseeMan over a year ago

Yorkshire

As you can see people just like to throw off the cuff comments how they can do it. Mainly single guys by the way! Anyone with a bit of common sense can see as you say that you can't do that for a family and provide good nutritional meals for any length of time. Not forgetting all the stress and time to plan in such a minute detail. I thought it was just the odd politician that was coming up with such incredulous claims but obviously there are others too. Let's keep the poor in their place and tell our politicians who have shown such apathy that we are ok, we will manage and not to worry as the www2 spirit is alive once more.

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By *andyfloss2000Woman over a year ago

ashford

"My ex's mother was a school cook. And jamie olivers assuly on school dinners resulted in lots of parents changing their kids to packed lucnch without checking ehat food was served at school.

This resulted in less funds available for staff meaning the previouy healthy labour intensice meals had to be cut back to less labour intesive frozen ingrediants.

When I was a school cook (for 9 years) from 2006 till 2015 we used all fresh /ambient products very little frozen mainly ice cream and peas and fish fingers for a Friday x

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

"I say yes you can, did you also watch jamie olivers program about it years ago? He gave good tips and recipes of how you could come up with good dishes for under a fiver.

Let's get real here Shag.

Breakfast = Oats and Milk at least.

Dinner = tuna pasta and mixed veg.

What about the rest of the fooking day.?

PLUS ... Is there a sauce on that pasta ?

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Chickpea curry is very nicee and quick too.

One tin of chickpeas is like 30p

Or any other pea/bean if you don't like chickpeas.

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By *allySlinkyWoman over a year ago

Leeds

"Chickpea curry is very nicee and quick too.

One tin of chickpeas is like 30p

Or any other pea/bean if you don't like chickpeas.

Chickpea curry is my favourite meal

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By *oodoo666Man over a year ago

Halifax

I'm a Chef have been for passed 22 years . Can't beat beans on toast . Course you can feed yourself for a fiver . Look at them on benefits they are stuck on £10 a day .

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"can make gr8 mixed soups and pasta dishes for less than a fiver, esp. cooking from leftovers - easily doable for one

You can’t “cook from leftovers” on a continual basis though. A sustained period on £5 meals isn’t going to give you leftovers to use.

That’s the point the gimmicky people like Jamie Oliver and random politicians miss."

left overs meaning an array of ingredients may already have laying in fridge freezer, larder, veg. basket, etc. - for sure one can conjure something up without even the need to go to shops...

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

"A really cheap meal for two which is economical on fuel too is egg fried rice

One sachet of basmati microwave rice (35p Aldi), four eggs, garlic, chilli, spring onion, peas, soy sauce, oil

Heat oil in wok, fry garlic and chilli, add spring onions, soften. Add rice stir fry until heated add peas followed by egg. Once cooked add soy sauce and serve.

Mmmmm jotting down.

I'm going to try this at some point. Love these flavours"

It is very tasty. If you have it you can add chopped ham or bacon too

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By *ampWithABrainWoman over a year ago

Glasgow

£5 for one person for one meal is easy.

£5 per day? For more people? Much harder.

I don’t raised my daughter as a single mum on benefits even when I was working as was on low income due to childcare limitations. When people make comments like this - especially politicians and holier than thou millionaire chefs! They don’t include in their costings for even one meal:

Getting to the shop to buy the stuff

The smaller ingredients that make a meal palatable (cooking oil, herbs, salt, spices etc) OR they cost per portion when the initial outlay can be an obstacle.

Energy costs for cooking (which people are really looking at closely now)

If anyone in the equation needs medical issues accounted for (diabetes, high blood pressure, coeliac disease…)

Yes per portion certain meals are very cheap IF you can afford to buy in bulk which the majority of those on a low income cannot afford to do.

It’s expensive to be poor!

And it’s usually predicated on cooking from scratch too which is time consuming and tiring when you consider many families now IF there’s 2 parents one or both may be working 2 or more jobs, they’re knackered!

Timontana1 the radio station I usually listen to is involved in a campaign that’s to get kids a bed! Because apparently there’s almost half a MILLION uk kids who don’t sleep in a bed.

In 21st century uk that’s a bloody disgrace it’s necessary! Absolutely outrageous that this govt is doing sod all about the crushingly soul destroying poverty so many families and kids are experiencing due to their mismanagement of the economy and energy price crisis.

Poll25ock very well said, and thank you for understanding and recognising that while you’re doing ok that doesn’t mean others are/can.

Sotonpaul also well said it’s a shocking state of affairs. And yes don’t even get me STARTED on MP’s expenses and subsidised food and drink etc!

“Interestingly a new poll stats almost half of tory voters currently favour renationalisation of utility firms which is probably the biggest sign its not just low income families dreading this winter”

I’d love to know more about this, been saying it since the whole energy price hikes started. But I’ve never and never would vote Tory!

I’m currently spending approx £50-60 a week at the moment but get a fortnightly delivery BUT that’s because at the moment I have a little spare that I’m using to stock up on tins and jars, candles and batteries and similar ahead of the likely hike in October as businesses are ALSO not being helped with energy prices - a Tory vote loser if ever there was one! And we’ve possibly got this shower still until December 2024!!

I honestly won’t be surprised if they introduce rolling blackouts!

The problem we essentially have is that while yes as expected the Tory govt is full of rich people who’ve NEVER had to personally budget! But also the shadow cabinet, the bloody Labour Party has MAYBE 2 proper working class people in it? There’s nobody representing and fighting for ordinary people.

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

"can make gr8 mixed soups and pasta dishes for less than a fiver, esp. cooking from leftovers - easily doable for one

You can’t “cook from leftovers” on a continual basis though. A sustained period on £5 meals isn’t going to give you leftovers to use.

That’s the point the gimmicky people like Jamie Oliver and random politicians miss.

left overs meaning an array of ingredients may already have laying in fridge freezer, larder, veg. basket, etc. - for sure one can conjure something up without even the need to go to shops..."

These ingredients aren't free though. If you're needing to stick to £5 a day budget you're very unlikely to have an array of vegetables and other items just laying about.

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By *ust PeachyWoman over a year ago

Prestonish

Not sure about anyone else - but I think it’s desperately sad that - post lockdown after almost 2 years of little social freedom - the principal priority/worry for millions of us will be surviving the winter rather than thriving/loving life.

It really does appear that we’ve regressed a couple of generations into the ‘haves’ and the ‘have not’s’.

I think one of the biggest problems with that there may not be enough ‘haves’ who care enough to fill up the food banks that the have nots will increasingly rely on.

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By *innie The MinxWoman over a year ago

Under the Duvet

It is expensive to be poor.

Small pack sizes usually work out dearer than buying in bulk, but you rarely have the money to buy in bulk.

And there is a big difference between short term " frugal eating to sell a tv show/book" and and having to live on a grindingly basic diet for any length of time.

Been there/done that in my 20s.

Wouldn't want to do it again.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Chickpea curry is very nicee and quick too.

One tin of chickpeas is like 30p

Or any other pea/bean if you don't like chickpeas.

Even Aldi have increased now to 45p i think!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"can make gr8 mixed soups and pasta dishes for less than a fiver, esp. cooking from leftovers - easily doable for one

You can’t “cook from leftovers” on a continual basis though. A sustained period on £5 meals isn’t going to give you leftovers to use.

That’s the point the gimmicky people like Jamie Oliver and random politicians miss.

left overs meaning an array of ingredients may already have laying in fridge freezer, larder, veg. basket, etc. - for sure one can conjure something up without even the need to go to shops...

These ingredients aren't free though. If you're needing to stick to £5 a day budget you're very unlikely to have an array of vegetables and other items just laying about. "

true, which is why it’s a necessity to plan and shop smart incl. growing own vegetables, etc. whole bag of elephant flour, rice bag, etc. can last months, lentils, herbs and spices, etc. can last months not days...

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Getting to the shop to buy the stuff

The smaller ingredients that make a meal palatable (cooking oil, herbs, salt, spices etc) OR they cost per portion when the initial outlay can be an obstacle.

Energy costs for cooking (which people are really looking at closely now)

If anyone in the equation needs medical issues accounted for (diabetes, high blood pressure, coeliac disease…)

Yes per portion certain meals are very cheap IF you can afford to buy in bulk which the majority of those on a low income cannot afford to do.

It’s expensive to be poor!

... There’s nobody representing and fighting for ordinary people. "

Agreed.. My mate didn't understand why her cousin didn't buy the large packs of toilet rolls - £7/8.. Instead of the 'luxury 2-4 pack'.. Her cousin had to explain if she bought the cheaper pack of loo roll.. (and all the other things that make sense) she'd have no money left for rent /essentials

So you are right.. It is very expensive being poor (and old)

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By *icecouple561Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

East Sussex

"can make gr8 mixed soups and pasta dishes for less than a fiver, esp. cooking from leftovers - easily doable for one

You can’t “cook from leftovers” on a continual basis though. A sustained period on £5 meals isn’t going to give you leftovers to use.

That’s the point the gimmicky people like Jamie Oliver and random politicians miss.

left overs meaning an array of ingredients may already have laying in fridge freezer, larder, veg. basket, etc. - for sure one can conjure something up without even the need to go to shops...

These ingredients aren't free though. If you're needing to stick to £5 a day budget you're very unlikely to have an array of vegetables and other items just laying about.

I agree with what you say and certainly if it's possible and you have the money and storage space it's a good idea to buy in bulk. I grow a lot of vegetables I'm lucky I've got a greenhouse and a garden, the money to buy seeds and the time to tend the garden.

How does that help people who genuinely have a budget of £5 a day for food?

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I can imagine that it is very hard and demeaning to have to skimp when shopping , cooking from scratch can save money. But we must not loose sight of the fact that food is a fundamental need and we should put more value on it .

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"can make gr8 mixed soups and pasta dishes for less than a fiver, esp. cooking from leftovers - easily doable for one

You can’t “cook from leftovers” on a continual basis though. A sustained period on £5 meals isn’t going to give you leftovers to use.

That’s the point the gimmicky people like Jamie Oliver and random politicians miss.

left overs meaning an array of ingredients may already have laying in fridge freezer, larder, veg. basket, etc. - for sure one can conjure something up without even the need to go to shops...

These ingredients aren't free though. If you're needing to stick to £5 a day budget you're very unlikely to have an array of vegetables and other items just laying about.

How does that help people who genuinely have a budget of £5 a day for food? "

£5/day for food is sustainable if one plans. agree, can’t have the finer things like snacks, ice cream, etc. but if one has no choice in the matter, their will to survive will make it work. My fear is it’s not the £5/day for food which is the worry but the burning of fuel to cook the raw ingredients etc. which will be playing on the minds of the vulnerable who can barely make ends meet. Is a sad World we live in that in this day and age we are incapable of looking after each other. The fat cats hungry on greed without a care in the World for us poor folks.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I put my spare courgettes (the wee baby monster ones) onto my wall and someone always takes them

The local allotment site collect excesses and give them to a local soup kitchen /food bank

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By *inky_couple2020Couple over a year ago

North West

"I can imagine that it is very hard and demeaning to have to skimp when shopping , cooking from scratch can save money. But we must not loose sight of the fact that food is a fundamental need and we should put more value on it . "

We did it as children. Round Kwik Save with a calculator and only buying the black & white packets of own brand food. We had to put stuff back if we went over the weekly budget. Our packed lunches were very basic indeed. We survived, but we were very obvious poor, which was also evident to others at school, e.g. on "own clothes" day, when we wore charity shop clothes and trainers off the market.

Still managed to be a chubby child though

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By *ampWithABrainWoman over a year ago

Glasgow

"Getting to the shop to buy the stuff

The smaller ingredients that make a meal palatable (cooking oil, herbs, salt, spices etc) OR they cost per portion when the initial outlay can be an obstacle.

Energy costs for cooking (which people are really looking at closely now)

If anyone in the equation needs medical issues accounted for (diabetes, high blood pressure, coeliac disease…)

Yes per portion certain meals are very cheap IF you can afford to buy in bulk which the majority of those on a low income cannot afford to do.

It’s expensive to be poor!

... There’s nobody representing and fighting for ordinary people.

So you are right.. It is very expensive being poor (and old) "

I’m older and I don’t think it’s necessarily harder then, I found it harder when I was also having to support/feed my daughter AND I was working full time, commuting and I was bloody knackered! Looking back I was not the best mum then as I hadn’t the energy!

We seriously need a change of govt

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By *exyPirateMan over a year ago

Cambridge

"Inexpensive meals

Jacket potato with one of the following tuna, cheese, baked beans plus vegetable of choice

Omelette with ham or cheese

Spanish omelette.

Pasta with homemade sauce.

Macaroni cheese

Cowboy pie= sausage meat layered with small tin baked beans in a dish, mashed potato on top baked until cooked through.

Tuna pasta bake.

Tin of tuna, white sauce with chopped parsley top with mash = cheap fish pie.

Tuna mixed with mash and lightly fried = fish cakes

Mmmm love a hot cowboy pie!!!

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By *xploring_FunWoman over a year ago

Coventry

"can make gr8 mixed soups and pasta dishes for less than a fiver, esp. cooking from leftovers - easily doable for one

You can’t “cook from leftovers” on a continual basis though. A sustained period on £5 meals isn’t going to give you leftovers to use.

That’s the point the gimmicky people like Jamie Oliver and random politicians miss.

left overs meaning an array of ingredients may already have laying in fridge freezer, larder, veg. basket, etc. - for sure one can conjure something up without even the need to go to shops..."

My point is that that only works short term...

When your budget is that low for a sustained period you use all the stuff in the fridge freezer, larger, veg basket etc and you’re not replacing it as there are no more leftovers being added.

Then it’s not feasible to go on making repeated nutritious meals on the tiny budgets.

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By *aptain Caveman41Man over a year ago

Home

All vegetables yes

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By *ingle ex cuckMan over a year ago

chester

It's ok for people saying what grows on trees and can you grow vegetables and catch fish

But I think this question is a real wake up call with this sad state of government , recession, EU

If you want a yes or no answer then it's NO

Not everyone has a garden or allotment or pear trees

And sadly processed @@@@ seems the only way for more people these days

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By *xploring_FunWoman over a year ago

Coventry

And even if you have space to start planting now a) you need money to buy plants/seeds and b) that’s not going to feed your family next week.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I had an allotment for a few years. Lots of fun!... Cost a frickin fortune! Nothing cheap about home grown in my opinion

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I say yes you can, did you also watch jamie olivers program about it years ago? He gave good tips and recipes of how you could come up with good dishes for under a fiver.

Have you seen the price of tuna these days? Corned beef used to be a very cheap cupboard staple too, but that's also gone through the roof price wise. Pasta remains relatively cheap... But who wants to eat pasta/cheap sauce day in day out? I think the issue is yes of course we can all exist to an extent on a very small budget. But it'd also be a pretty miserable existence if there was never anything enjoyable on the horizon either? And that's sadly the state of affairs for many folk

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By *hagTonight OP Man over a year ago

From the land of haribos.

"I say yes you can, did you also watch jamie olivers program about it years ago? He gave good tips and recipes of how you could come up with good dishes for under a fiver.

"
Yes I have seen the price of tuna as well. I meant more the tuna that you get in cans, where the ones in brine 4x145g costs £2.40, or the chicken in bulk where 1kg costs about £5, as the budget would be £35 a week one could get quite alot of protein and eggs too.

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By *ugby 123Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

O o O oo

How many people is your question related to shag?

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By *hagTonight OP Man over a year ago

From the land of haribos.

"How many people is your question related to shag? "
It is to everyone

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I say yes you can, did you also watch jamie olivers program about it years ago? He gave good tips and recipes of how you could come up with good dishes for under a fiver.

Yes I have seen the price of tuna as well. I meant more the tuna that you get in cans, where the ones in brine 4x145g costs £2.40, or the chicken in bulk where 1kg costs about £5, as the budget would be £35 a week one could get quite alot of protein and eggs too."

I use tuna for my family - the price hasn't gone up much compared to meat.

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

Has anyone mentioned NUTRITION ?

Shouting out rice and chick peas are cheap doesn't nourish anyone.

Filling folk up is not the same otherwise we could just eat cement.

A variety of foods are needed to stay healthy.

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

I can't believe this is Britain.

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By *ugby 123Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

O o O oo

"Has anyone mentioned NUTRITION ?

Shouting out rice and chick peas are cheap doesn't nourish anyone.

Filling folk up is not the same otherwise we could just eat cement.

A variety of foods are needed to stay healthy."

It almost sounds like get me out of here in the jungle...rice and beans is hardly a balanced diet

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By *ohn KanakaMan over a year ago

Not all that North of North London

"Has anyone mentioned NUTRITION ?

Shouting out rice and chick peas are cheap doesn't nourish anyone.

Filling folk up is not the same otherwise we could just eat cement.

A variety of foods are needed to stay healthy."

I said this earlier on. I was existing on porridge abd pasta when I was unemployed and yellow stickered 'treats'. I was never hungry, but it was miserable and it certainly wasn't nutritional

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By *ugby 123Couple over a year ago
Forum Mod

O o O oo

"How many people is your question related to shag? It is to everyone

Not quite what I meant

Your OP, who did it apply to

How many people for the meal? Does the £5 include going to buy the food, gas or electric to cook it? Are you going by the prices years ago that was on the programme or prices now?

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By * and R cple4Couple over a year ago

swansea

"Has anyone mentioned NUTRITION ?

Shouting out rice and chick peas are cheap doesn't nourish anyone.

Filling folk up is not the same otherwise we could just eat cement.

A variety of foods are needed to stay healthy."

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By *hagTonight OP Man over a year ago

From the land of haribos.

"How many people is your question related to shag? It is to everyone

Not quite what I meant

Your OP, who did it apply to

How many people for the meal? Does the £5 include going to buy the food, gas or electric to cook it? Are you going by the prices years ago that was on the programme or prices now?"
Jamies idea was aimed to a family, so not sure how many people he meant, maybe 3, but I guess that it is more manageable for 1 or 2 and no, no electric was included in the total price there and yes, the prices more of how it is today, rather than then as it was in 2002 as that program was made then

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