How do I eat healthy on a tight budget?

Eating well does not have to be expensive. The Eatwell Guide recommends basing meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, or other starchy carbohydrates, eating at least 5 portions of fruit and veg a day (fresh, frozen, tinned, or dried all count), and choosing beans, pulses, fish, eggs, and lean meat for protein. Frozen and tinned options are often cheaper and just as nutritious.

I feed my family of 4 healthily on about 40 pounds a week. My tips: 1) Frozen veg is just as nutritious as fresh and costs a fraction. 2) Tinned beans, lentils, and chickpeas are cheap protein powerhouses. 3) Buy a whole chicken and use it for 3 meals. 4) Porridge oats are the cheapest, most nutritious breakfast. 5) Plan meals for the week before shopping and stick to a list. 6) Aldi and Lidl are genuinely cheaper without sacrificing quality. 7) Cook in batches and freeze portions.

This is an important general health question. We recommend speaking with your GP for personalised advice. You can also contact NHS 111 (free, 24/7) for urgent guidance, or visit nhs.uk for trusted health information. Please note: this is general health information, not a substitute for professional medical advice.