It’s December, and Christmas is well on the way. KTO families and beyond are getting ready for a season of sherry, presents and time with family and friends. But when you’re on a budget, Christmas can seem like a daunting prospect, even if you’re looking forward to a good old-fashioned knees-up! So here are some tips to keep your Christmas dinner happy, healthy, and most importantly, on-budget!
Choose leaner meats
With worries about the budgets of most families across the country, keeping your costs down can be a real challenge. Whilst Turkey is the festive favourite, leaner meats like chicken or fish are better for your heart and your pocket! Fattier meats like lamb, ham and beef are often less healthy and are more expensive. So choose lean for your health and your bank balance!
Don’t forget your veggies
Vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and there are plenty of creative ways to serve them. Parsnips, carrots, potatoes and green beans can be roasted, baked, and steamed, as well as boiled. Experimentation with how you serve your veggies can spice up the traditional meat and two vegs with casseroles and pies!
Plan (or don’t plan) for leftovers
Leftovers are definitely a Christmas tradition for all of us! Leftover turkey and stuffing make great sandwiches, and a quick spray with oil and a stint in the oven can re-crisp a roast potato for those Boxing Day meals!
Wastefulness is the bane of any good budget, and this year more than 90% of families will be worried about affording their usual lavish Christmas Day feasts. The Brussels sprouts might be your usual vegetable go-to, but if nobody eats them, their health benefits become a financial burden. It really is a no-brainer!
Don’t break the bank to make Christmas
This year, plan your meals to include seasonal alternatives from stores like Lidl and Aldi. You’ll stretch your budget by buying from the stocks where there is already ample supply. Why not change up this Turkey-day with meat-free alternatives or swap Bisto for homemade gravy?
Turkey is a common fixture, but there are now lots of meat-free substitutes on the market, so why not try some of them? And the best tip of all is not to overcook your veggies. You’re more likely to clear those plates and reduce your washing up if you avoid overboiling your sprouts!
For happy, healthy kids this Christmas and beyond.
