One thing I often try is to browse the shelves for some fresh meats that are on offer. This could be lean minced beef, chicken breasts, turkey breast etc. Most of the times I go to the supermarket at least one fresh meat product is on offer.

Once you have found your meat decide on a sauce based dish you can cook with this meat. For example, lean minced beef can be made into spaghetti bolognese or shepherds pie or chicken can be made into a casserole or curry.

Then add to this sauce based dish with lots of mushrooms and onions. Mushrooms and onions are both cheap and versatile, plus they really thicken up your dish, making it go that little bit further.

Let’s take the spaghetti bolognese example:
- 800G lean mince beef which is on offer = £3.
- 500g of mushrooms = £1.50.
- 3 large onions = £2.
- 1kg spaghetti = £0.50.
- 2 bolognese powder mix = £1.
- 2 tins of chopped tomatoes = £2.
- TOTAL COST = £10 (approximately $20)

Whilst this does seem like a lot to pay for one meal bear in mind that this should make around 8 generous portions and is a relatively healthy option. At $2.50 a portion I think it represents excellent value, tastes good and is a lot healthier than McDonalds.