Chantelle Ellem, 38, from Northern Rivers in New South Wales used to spend $300 on her weekly grocery shop.
But by adopting a few simple tricks, she has managed to cut her bill down to just $150.
‘Sometimes I can get it down to $100. Those weeks we’ll eat less meat, but also cook from the freezer,’ she told FEMAIL.
‘On average, I usually hit around the $150 mark, and I’m pretty happy with that.’
Chantelle Ellem, 38, from Northern Rivers in NSW said she used to spend $300 on her weekly grocery shop but has now managed to cut it down to $150
The mother-of-two who blogs at Fat Mum Slim said it’s important to pay attention to specials in grocery catalogues, which is what she bases the family’s meals for the week ahead off of.
‘I start out by looking at the specials for the week, so I know what I’m working with, and then I have a meal plan sheet that I work from,’ she said.
‘I write out what ingredients we need, what I already have in the pantry, and then create a list from there.’
She said the online catalogue on the Woolworths site is her ‘best friend’ and new specials are released every Wednesday.
She said she likes to set herself challenges and feels like she’s winning if her weekly shop costs $100
The mother-of-two who blogs at Fat Mum Slim said it’s important to pay attention to specials in grocery catalogues
For families that are trying to stick to a budget Ms Ellem recommends buying the ‘Odd Bunch’ range at Woolworths in the fruit and vegetable section.
This is where all the odd-shaped and less pretty fruits and vegetables live that may not look beautiful but they taste the same and cost less.
Ms Ellem said it’s worthwhile getting a grocery rewards card.
‘They cost nothing, and every dollar you spend gives you one point. Once you reach 2,000 points you automatically get $10 off your shop,’ she said.
Ms Ellem said it’s worthwhile getting a grocery rewards card
‘You can also avoid overspending by shopping without the kids, making sure you shop on a full tummy, and by shopping to a list without straying from it.’
The blogger explained that there are certain foods people should always have stored in their pantry: pasta, rice and tomato purée.
‘Pasta and rices are always very handy to have in the cupboard, and are an easy way to bulk up a meal for very little money,’ she said.
‘Passata (a tomato sauce) is also a great staple to have, because you can turn it into a delicious pasta sauce, or even team it with meatballs.’
Ms Ellem said it’s very easy to find spaghetti for only $1, which can be the base for delicious meals.
The blogger explained that there are certain foods people should always have stored in their pantry: pasta, rice and tomato purée
She added that it’s better to incorporate fruit and vegetables that are in season as they tend to be cheaper.
When it comes to lunches she makes them in bulk at home, her go-tos being meatballs with a salad or soups for herself and her husband.
For her children she’ll make homemade sausage rolls, quiches and sandwiches in bulk.
‘It’s all about balance, when feeding a family. You’ll notice that the Vegemite pasta doesn’t have a vegetable in sight, but it’s one of those meals that you throw together and know the kids will eat,’ she said.
‘Every mum or dad needs one of those recipes up their sleeves.’