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Real help required..
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Food shopping as a single person, trying not to waste food or spend a fortune...first time ive lived alone as such and today is pay day so setting budgets..but with christmas looming i need to save some cash!
Tips and advice please?
Thanks in advance! Mwah x
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Before you go shopping, make a list of what you need and stick to it. And don't shop when you're hungry because if you're anything like me you'll be picking up all of the snacks and treats you don't need!!
And if you're a brand snob give the cheaper brands a try bevause you'll be surprised just how good some of the stuff can taste. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Lived alone a fair bit in my life. One thing I you should learn is how to buy in bulk and portion them out. For example, if you like chicken, buy a fuck load and separate it into freezer bags and freeze it
Also, never shop while hungry |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Making a list...
1. Plastic containers to freeze things 
If you ever get takeaways ... just wash the tubs out and reuse for freezing ... job done "
I like your style...so a chinese takeaway to start, i could forgive myself the expense for a valid reason... thanks bud! |
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"Making a list...
1. Plastic containers to freeze things
If you ever get takeaways ... just wash the tubs out and reuse for freezing ... job done
I like your style...so a chinese takeaway to start, i could forgive myself the expense for a valid reason... thanks bud!"
It's a service I provide, you're welcome |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I'm just about (January) to live on my own for the first time in 52 years!!
I'm gojng to use slow cooker lots and freeze meals plus get Iceland deliveries |
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Plastic containers but also freezer bags. Buy a family size container of meat, parcel up into individual portions, squeeze the air out, tie up and freeze. Chuck in the fridge in a bowl (catch stray meat juice) in the morning to defrost to cook that night. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Aldi and Lidl are great... invest in Tupperware and make one pot dishes like Chilli, Curries, Bolognese.... make enough for multiple servings and freeze for later use. "
Yep shit at both of these they are fantastic. Aldi for veg it’s cheaper  |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I'm just about (January) to live on my own for the first time in 52 years!!
I'm gojng to use slow cooker lots and freeze meals plus get Iceland deliveries "
Slow cooker? Another thing to google, thankyou x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Look on the foreign food aisles for large packs of spices and legumes. They are usually much cheaper.
Look in the coming to the end of sell by date fridge for stuff you can freeze.
Go to friends and family just as they are about to have dinner  |
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I've lived alone for about 7 years. I tend to have batch cooking days, that's a good excuse to get a couple of bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon in and stick some sounds on 
Go to Tesco (other supermarkets are available) and buy the yellow stickered meat, cook then freeze it.
I've got enough homemade meals in ma freezer to keep me going for a month or so  |
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Costco is your friend -
Bulk buy meat, portion then either freeze or make meals then freeze.
Get dry/tinned goods from Aldi etc.
Don’t be afraid of using stuff up, carrot a bit soft... put it in a pie or stew. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Thankyou everyone for your input, genuinely have helped me out with some great ideas, I'm panicking a little as this is my first month alone and I'm concious im throwi g away lots of food i really shouldn't be..
Thankyou, looks like ill be cooking huge pots of chilli and spag bol! X |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I'm just about (January) to live on my own for the first time in 52 years!!
I'm gojng to use slow cooker lots and freeze meals plus get Iceland deliveries
Slow cooker? Another thing to google, thankyou x"
Slow cookers are amazing when you live alone. and so cheap as well. You can get a 3 litre one for less than £20 at tesco
Fill it with meat and veg, throw some gravy in, turn on when you go to work, when you come back its done.
I know a few recipes for slowpot, send me a PM if you want any |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Get a slow cooker. You got food for a week. This saves cash big time.
Cereal can be eaten for any meal.
Buy freezer bags. And stock up on meat when it's on sale. I individually wrap things first then it goes into the ziploc so I am not having to fight to free everything up.
I am not sure if the meat or produce sections in UK is much like here, however we have pre-marinated meats and quite often salads. If you go later in the day, they are on sale or early early mornings they are on clearance. They have to get rid of it. Same with bakery/bread.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I'm just about (January) to live on my own for the first time in 52 years!!
I'm gojng to use slow cooker lots and freeze meals plus get Iceland deliveries
Slow cooker? Another thing to google, thankyou x"
If you were local I could have given you my spare one but there only about £20 to pick one up. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I'm just about (January) to live on my own for the first time in 52 years!!
I'm gojng to use slow cooker lots and freeze meals plus get Iceland deliveries "
Slowcooker are great |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Bulgur wheat is cheap ish and filling. I add stock and veg to mine to accompany meat."
Bulgar wheat? Hmm, google is getting a lot of questions from me today! Thankyou x |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I'm just about (January) to live on my own for the first time in 52 years!!
I'm gojng to use slow cooker lots and freeze meals plus get Iceland deliveries
Slow cooker? Another thing to google, thankyou x
If you were local I could have given you my spare one but there only about £20 to pick one up. "
Aww, well thank you anyway, appreciated so much |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Half your bill by shopping in aldi or lidl.
Download a shopping app. It'll save time and you won't buy impulsively.
Never go to a supermarket without eating first! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thankyou everyone for your input, genuinely have helped me out with some great ideas, I'm panicking a little as this is my first month alone and I'm concious im throwi g away lots of food i really shouldn't be..
Thankyou, looks like ill be cooking huge pots of chilli and spag bol! X"
Batch cooking is your friend, cooking for one can be a bit of a lonely unmotivated thing some days so having things already good to go that are quick and easy will help you on the days where you have no desire to actually cook. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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To be honest I have tried batch cooking and just end up with a freezer full of ready made stuff I just don't want to eat. I would recommend looking for ingredients that are really versatile. Tinned tomatoes, mince, potatoes, frozen veg, boil in the bag rice and such like. If you have the time you can cook things in small 1 day portions that are not expensive but you don't get bored with the same thing. Also I know you are trying to save money but a treat every now and again doesn't have to be expensive, as a previous poster has mentioned Aldi and Lidl have some good stuff. Only other thing is look for offers. Lurpak is always on offer somewhere, as are tea bags and other things. If you think something seems expensive it probably is so don't buy it. Hope this helps. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Buy great big bags of pasta and rice. Especially rice as you can get meals that satisfy your carb requirements from what looks like a tiny amount (it swells when cooking obviously) Put it this way, you can get rice for around 10 decent sized meals for less than 50p if you look about? 
B |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Half your bill by shopping in aldi or lidl.
Download a shopping app. It'll save time and you won't buy impulsively.
Never go to a supermarket without eating first!"
Shopping app? So order online you think? Im not a brand snob so lidl and aldi dont bother me, especially if i cook everything and not buy processed...not sure about the app, is it for a discount? |
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Frozen veg and loose fruit. I buy a lot of bags of frozen veg that are in individual portions that you steam in the microwave. Frozen brocolli and peas is also easy to make single portions of. I freeze portions of curry, fajita filling, chilli, etc. I bought a microwave rice steamer at uni too which was great for cooking a single portion of rice in. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"To be honest I have tried batch cooking and just end up with a freezer full of ready made stuff I just don't want to eat. I would recommend looking for ingredients that are really versatile. Tinned tomatoes, mince, potatoes, frozen veg, boil in the bag rice and such like. If you have the time you can cook things in small 1 day portions that are not expensive but you don't get bored with the same thing. Also I know you are trying to save money but a treat every now and again doesn't have to be expensive, as a previous poster has mentioned Aldi and Lidl have some good stuff. Only other thing is look for offers. Lurpak is always on offer somewhere, as are tea bags and other things. If you think something seems expensive it probably is so don't buy it. Hope this helps. "
I did wonder if i would get bored of sane meals...thats a good point..but i guess it makes sense to have a variety...hmmm....got me thinking now..
Thankyou |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Frozen veg and loose fruit. I buy a lot of bags of frozen veg that are in individual portions that you steam in the microwave. Frozen brocolli and peas is also easy to make single portions of. I freeze portions of curry, fajita filling, chilli, etc. I bought a microwave rice steamer at uni too which was great for cooking a single portion of rice in."
Microwave rice steamer... hmmm, never heard of it..but i think i need it! |
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"Drink a glass of water before your meals.
Don't buy processed food.
"
That's one of my reasons for cooking my own stuff, at least I know exactly what's in it. Too many e numbers and additives in processed food |
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By *eliWoman
over a year ago
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Look at different cuts of meat (chicken thighs rather than chicken breasts etc). Looking in the world food aisle in supermarkets is also a good idea - you can find bags and tins of lentils and pulses far cheaper than in the tinned section. Dried is cheaper as well. In terms of fish, frozen fish can oft be found with special offers. Visiting markets can be a good way as well - sometimes you get large bowls of fruit or veg for a pound. Definitely look in the reduced sections if you have a chance - a lot of stuff can be frozen. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Buy great big bags of pasta and rice. Especially rice as you can get meals that satisfy your carb requirements from what looks like a tiny amount (it swells when cooking obviously) Put it this way, you can get rice for around 10 decent sized meals for less than 50p if you look about?
Now, i do love pasta...so you.may be in to something
B"
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Drink a glass of water before your meals.
Don't buy processed food.
That's one of my reasons for cooking my own stuff, at least I know exactly what's in it. Too many e numbers and additives in processed food "
What a guy, thanks bud
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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JUST WANTED TO SAY YOU ALL ARE AWESOME! I HAVE BEEN OVERWHELMED WITH YOUR KIND RESPONSES AND NO STUPID COMMENTS!
you are really, honestly a great bunch of people and you've helped me out more than you can ever realise, i appreciate at my age i should have this nailed but i will do soon.
So thankyou all once again, sorry if i missed a reply to your comment, but i have read them all and have picked up a wealth of ideas.
Genuinely wish you all the very best of days.
Mwah xxx |
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"Frozen veg and loose fruit. I buy a lot of bags of frozen veg that are in individual portions that you steam in the microwave. Frozen brocolli and peas is also easy to make single portions of. I freeze portions of curry, fajita filling, chilli, etc. I bought a microwave rice steamer at uni too which was great for cooking a single portion of rice in.
Microwave rice steamer... hmmm, never heard of it..but i think i need it!"
It makes the bestest fluffy rice and you just lift the inner bit out to drain it!!! So much easier. They're amazing! I think I got mine for like £6 too. |
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Think about and plan what youre going to cook for the week esp when you're buying fresh veg so you can use it all up in several different meals.
If you've got a freezer then frozen veg is often cheap and you can just use how much you need.
Cooking for yourself can be fun: I try out new recipes and experiment before sharing the best results.
Bon appetit |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Frozen veg and loose fruit. I buy a lot of bags of frozen veg that are in individual portions that you steam in the microwave. Frozen brocolli and peas is also easy to make single portions of. I freeze portions of curry, fajita filling, chilli, etc. I bought a microwave rice steamer at uni too which was great for cooking a single portion of rice in.
Microwave rice steamer... hmmm, never heard of it..but i think i need it!
It makes the bestest fluffy rice and you just lift the inner bit out to drain it!!! So much easier. They're amazing! I think I got mine for like £6 too."
Just ordered online! Now, if it doesn't work...we will be having words x thankyou x |
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Sometimes i have a tin of beans for dinner 4xa week. Other times i eat porridge. Eggs can be good too or homemade soup. I buy fiscounted bread from supermarkets late at night and freeze i. I never pay more than 10p for a loaf. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Sometimes i have a tin of beans for dinner 4xa week. Other times i eat porridge. Eggs can be good too or homemade soup. I buy fiscounted bread from supermarkets late at night and freeze i. I never pay more than 10p for a loaf."
Late night shopping trips it is....after ive eaten! X thankyou |
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The most important part is sit down and write your ingredients list.
Old cook books had some great recipes in them.
Jack monroe's book cookingonabootstrap
Also one large heavy item shopping is a better way.
Get all your tins and a large sack potatoes in one shop then taxi home. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"The most important part is sit down and write your ingredients list.
Old cook books had some great recipes in them.
Jack monroe's book cookingonabootstrap
Also one large heavy item shopping is a better way.
Get all your tins and a large sack potatoes in one shop then taxi home."
Thankyou! Hopefully it wont taste like an old bootstrap...googling it now.
Cheers |
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"Frozen veg and loose fruit. I buy a lot of bags of frozen veg that are in individual portions that you steam in the microwave. Frozen brocolli and peas is also easy to make single portions of. I freeze portions of curry, fajita filling, chilli, etc. I bought a microwave rice steamer at uni too which was great for cooking a single portion of rice in.
Microwave rice steamer... hmmm, never heard of it..but i think i need it!
It makes the bestest fluffy rice and you just lift the inner bit out to drain it!!! So much easier. They're amazing! I think I got mine for like £6 too.
Just ordered online! Now, if it doesn't work...we will be having words x thankyou x "
Fortunately my faith in them is strong so I'm not worried |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"Frozen veg and loose fruit. I buy a lot of bags of frozen veg that are in individual portions that you steam in the microwave. Frozen brocolli and peas is also easy to make single portions of. I freeze portions of curry, fajita filling, chilli, etc. I bought a microwave rice steamer at uni too which was great for cooking a single portion of rice in.
Microwave rice steamer... hmmm, never heard of it..but i think i need it!
It makes the bestest fluffy rice and you just lift the inner bit out to drain it!!! So much easier. They're amazing! I think I got mine for like £6 too.
Just ordered online! Now, if it doesn't work...we will be having words x thankyou x
Fortunately my faith in them is strong so I'm not worried "
May have been kind words! And ive ordered it now! Thanks for the tip x |
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