Recession survey results

The survey revealed that families were cooking more vegetarian meals with 90 per cent of consumers also saying that they are preparing meals that can be spread across more than one mealtime.

Fernwood’s National Slimplicity Manager, Nic Linford, says that families can still eat healthy and wholesome foods for a fraction of the cost of takeaway.

"You'll be surprised at just how inexpensive and easy it is to make your own pizzas at home rather than getting pizza home delivered. In the same amount of time it takes for two large pizzas to get home delivered, you can make six pita-bread pizzas at home and you'd be consuming a only fraction of the of the fat - and it will even cost you less."

Nic says the most difficult thing that women struggle with is finding the time to plan and prepare meals on top of everything else they have to fit into their day.

"Writing a shopping list rather than buying on impulse once you get to the supermarket can help you to avoid purchasing unnecessary and unhealthy foods,” she explains

She suggests that vegetables, beans and pulses such as lentils can help to make a meal not only healthier, but cheaper too.

“Adding extra vegetables to stir-fry’s or lentils to casseroles or you can make a meal stretch even further for less. Try adding some lentils to soups or sauces such as spaghetti bolognaise – the kids won’t even know there are in there, but it makes a simple meal cheaper and healthier.”

The survey also found that people were saving money by eating at home with one third of respondents saying that they have started a vegetable patch in the past six months.

“If you have the space at home, growing your own vegies can save you a lot of money – plus you get to eat them fresh when they and packed full of nutrients,” Ms Linford said.

* Survey by Heinz Foods