The holidays are a time for celebration, gatherings and – of course – delicious meals.  But, between gift-giving and festive feasts, expenses can add up quickly.

Plan ahead

Start by planning your meals and creating a grocery list. This strategy helps you stick to your budget and avoid buying extra items on a whim.

“Try to buy staples – like rice and oats – in bulk and consider buying no-name brands where possible – they often offer the same quality as name brands, but at a lower price,” says Tiffany Schebesch, Registered Dietitian with the Primary Care Network (PCN).

Cook with seasonal or frozen produce

Schebesch encourages people to incorporate in-season or frozen fruits and vegetables into their meals. These options are usually cheaper, fresher and more nutritious.

Cut back on convenience foods

Try to avoid paying a premium for pre-cut foods by preparing your food at home. A few extra minutes chopping up fruit or shredding cheese can help you save at the till.

Stretch your meals

Make the most of your holiday meal leftovers by freezing them in individual portions for quick weekday meals. You can also repurpose older produce into soups, stews, casseroles or even homemade stocks.

Meat alternatives

Buying meat can get expensive. Cut costs by opting for fiber-rich, nutritious meat alternatives like beans, lentils, peas, nuts and seeds. Meatless meals, like bean burritos, rice casseroles or a tofu vegetable stir-fry offer affordable options.

If you are looking to include meat, you can save by buying whole cuts instead of pre-cut portions.

Get support

Whether you’re looking for nutrition support or need access to financial resources, support is available through Alberta Primary Care Networks.  Learn more about our free workshops and connect with a Primary Care Network in your community.