How to stick to Slimming World on a budget

Following a Slimming World plan can be a really great way to lose weight and keep yourself healthy. I dip in and out of Slimming World when I feel like I need to really focus on what I’m eating and I always find it a really great way to lose weight in a healthy way. But whenever I talk to anyone about Slimming World, they’ll often say that they would love to do it but they can’t afford to. The truth is though that Slimming World doesn’t actually need to be expensive. You can stick to Slimming World on a budget.

Keep an eye out for special offers

Slimming World often run discounts and free membership offers in magazine publications. There are regular offers throughout the year. You can usually find a deal with a quick Google search.

Make use of Slimming websites

Slimming World is such a popular choice that there are plenty of websites dedicated to sharing meals compatible with the Slimming World programme. Often, these meals will be designed to help you to stick to Slimming World on a budget. Take a look at these delicious Slimming World meals on a budget from Pinch of Nom.

Know your budget

Something I’m often banging on about is knowing your budget. I’m always amazed how many people get part way through the month and run out of money just through poor or nonexistent budget planning.

If you’re paid a salary, then it’s really easy to work out your budget.

If you’re paid hourly like me, then it can be a little trickier. I always have a rough idea of how much I’m going to get paid, but once I receive my payslips I sit down and work out exactly how much money we have to spend each week.

Even if you’re on a tight budget, you will be able to stick to a Slimming World diet. Take a look at this post which shares some great tips on creating Slimming World meals on a budget.

Planning will help you stick to Slimming World on a budget

Once you know how much money you have available to spend on food, you can start to do your meal plan. Meal planning is always really important even if you’re not consciously trying to stick to a particular diet. I know that if I don’t meal plan then I end up buying stuff we don’t need and then having to go out shopping again a couple of days later to get stuff in for actual meals!

You can get all kinds of really handy meal planners online, and these can be a really great way to get yourself organised.

I just use my weekly diary to plan out what we’re going to eat each night. I always make a note of any activities which might impact on how much time I have to cook or how many people I’m cooking for so that I plan meals that fit in with our family life.

Try to plan meals that the whole family will eat so that you’re not spending money on various different meals and having to prepare different meals for the kids for example. I get that’s not always possible! In our house, it seems as though there is always one child refusing to eat whatever I prepare, but where possible I try to just add extra to their plates of the bits I know they will eat.

Once you’ve done your meal plan – sit down and write your shopping list. Go through each day methodically and make sure you write down every item you will need for each meal you’ve planned. Then, when you’re out shopping, don’t allow yourself to buy anything you haven’t put on the list. Walking around the supermarket and being tempted by their end of aisle offers is really dangerous for your bank balance.

Check your cupboards, fridge and freezer before you shop

How many times have you been and done the food shop only to get home and realise you’ve bought something you already have plenty of in the freezer? Many of us stuff things in the freezer and then promptly forget all about them!

Spend some time going through the cupboards, fridge and freezer before you meal plan. Are there things in there that you can use to make Slimming World friendly meals without buying new items? If so, then use them first.

Shop the yellow sticker aisle

I tend to do the majority of my food shopping online these days just because I find it so much easier. I work almost full-time, run my own business and have three kids, so there’s usually quite a lot going on. Fitting the food shop in can mean I’m eating into family time so ordering online works really well for us.

BUT, if you are able to get to the supermarket, then it’s worth having a rummage in the yellow sticker section.

You can find all kinds of bargains in the yellow sticker aisle. And just because an item has a short date doesn’t mean you can’t use it! Many of the products on offer can be frozen as soon as you get them home and pulled out to use at a later date.

Grow your own

If you have the space and the inclination then growing your own fruit and veg is a great way to ensure you have healthy food available even if you’re on a tight budget.

If this is something you’re new to or a little unsure of, then it’s worth investing in this fab book – RHS Grow Your Own Veg & Fruit Year Planner: What to Do When for Perfect Produce.

It shows you which fruit and veg to plant at different points throughout the year to give you the best chance at growing a good crop!

Do you have any tips for sticking to Slimming World on a budget? I’d love to hear your ideas…

Of course, it’s also important to check out what other options are available if you’re planning to lose weight. Just make sure that whichever plan you choose fits in with your budget.