Rosalee Brown - DIETITIAN'S DESK

Christmas is that special time of year when we do things a little bit different. We spruce up our homes and prepare special meals. The Christmas dinner is often filled with more variety in meats, salads and special trimmings.

Although the cost of food is going through the roof, many people still want to have special meals at Christmas. 'Partners' and other forms of savings schemes are put in place early in the year to face these expenses. Even with this forward planning, consider these guidelines for further savings:

Advance menu planning

Decide before you shop what you will serve. Don't let your shopping dictate your menu.

Shopping list

This should be guided by your menu. Write amounts, size and other specifications and stick to your list like glue unless you make a substitution.

Shop at farmer's markets

Many people like the convenience of buying everything under one roof but if you plan your shopping, for example, meat shopping, farmer's market, supermarket and wholesale on separate days, you may score big savings. The prices, freshness and quality of fruits and vegetables at the market are often 'friendlier' to the budget.

Buy just what is needed

The supermarkets and even farmer's markets are beautifully stocked at this time of year, so you can shop with ease. Do not be lured; stick to your list and budget.

Storage

Bulk buying and deals are tempting. If you will take forever to consume the purchase, thus reducing the quality or if storage or control over usage pattern is questionable, you may not benefit from the initial saving.

Bulk buy and split

If bulk buying is a cost-saving option, but the initial dollar outlay is challenging, join with family or friends. Purchase the goods then divide the 'spoils'.

Shop around

You may be surprised to realise how prices differ from shop to shop and location to location. Ask other shoppers at work to share prices and deals with you. Telephone supermarkets or wholesales and check prices. Some wholesales will even quote prices if you fax them a list. Check local newspapers.

Read labels not brands

Read the labels to see what you are buying, compare content, size, volume etceteras as sometimes you may pay more for a brand and not necessarily get a better value for money.

Make fruitcake less rich

Fruitcakes are delicious and costly. Use half the fruits and sugar in your cake this Christmas. This action can save you a lot of money.

Pot luck

In some families, one member always host the Christmas dinner until it becomes a tradition. But other family members will be honoured if you ask them to prepare their signature dishes, saving you the cost of preparation. A macaroni casserole, the ham, etceteras prepared by another family member can save you money.

Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.

Don't be lured when shopping for the Christmas dinner, stick to your list and budget.