How to Eat Well with a big family and on a Budget

As a mum of 5 children, I often get asked the question - how do you do it? Well, firstly, it's all relative. We all have our own struggles and challenges, whether you have one, two, five or no children - everyone has their 'stuff'. I don't see myself as special or extra talented because I have a big family. I'm blessed and it's what we chose and I love it all, including the total chaos, noise and mess... oh so much mess!

So back to the question: How do you do it? LISTS! I tell you, I have a list for everything. I even have a list for my lists lol! And let's be clear, I don't always 'do it' at all. I too have messy, unproductive and downright total wasted days. But hey, they're good for our mental health too I think.

So obviously with a big family, eating well on a budget can be challenging. It requires work, no doubt, but it can be done. I plan my meals and have them rotating. Usually this is a fortnightly meal plan so yes we eat the same things but with some variety. I include veggies with every meal and we often have meat free nights. Having themed nights also helps I think. Like in our house, Friday night is movie night so that's usually pancakes, nachos or waffles. I make all our meals from scratch, which again requires planning and lists, but in the end it's really worth it both from a health and budget perspective.

Some other things I like to do to keep costs down, are buy in bulk where possible and definitely, without a doubt, have a shopping list!! If you have a meal plan you can shop for just what you need. And NEVER go shopping hungry - you will just spend way more than you need too. There is nothing new here, but I guess it all works in the application of what you know.

What are some of your tips? Share, let us know and spread the word with our tribe.