Week 1 Day 1 - #pantrybeforepurchase

Well, my husband always says, fail to prepare, prepare to fail. So here we go.

First grocery shop and I have to be totally aware of what I need and not buy on impulse or because I think we might “need it”.

Im also not buying any toiletries or household items that add extra cost to the bill. With that in mind I have listed my family dinner, lunch and breakfast options below and will need to make snacks for lunches for the kids plus plenty of fruit. I am also mindful that I have food in the freeze that can be used and I may need to be resourceful and use fresh ingredients over convenience for tins and jars. I have allocated time in my week to also prepare the meal and food, which is mainly on a home day or evenings once kids are in bed.

• Meal planning - took all of 5 mins as I seem to be spoilt for choice (at this stage).

  • Sunday night out - Christmas catch up - Pavolova (need cream) and Ham (need ham)

  • Pea and Pancetta risotto - have everything except pancetta (Marie Claire Kitchen recipe book)

  • Crumbed Chicken and Veggies - Only have the bread crumbs and frozen chicken breast

  • Tacos - all fresh ingredients needed (packet instructions)

  • Green Chicken Curry with brown rice- need all fresh ingredients (jar recipe) will make double batch for next week.

  • Slow cook diced lamb with couscous - need all fresh ingredients (not lamb shanks as kids dont eat them)

  • Left overs - Friday nights

  • Eggs on Toast or toasted sandwiches - who’s can be arsed cooking on a Saturday

• Lunches - Sandwiches (ham, salad or Vegemite), homemade treat (choc chip biscuits and/or choc coconut balls), fruit, yoghurt in reusable container, crackers from pantry.

• Breakfasts - cereal (I did purchase this but felt it was justified as its always eaten and nothing is wasted), yoghurt, milk, fruit

Groceries and prep.

Coles - $114.81

Grocer - $52.32

Bakery - $15.20

Total cost = $182.33 (Normally Im between $250 - $300) so far so good

Week 1 Groceries - 13 single use plastics, including cereal bags. Total cost $182.33 for family of 5.