How to eat well for less money and effort

When asked if they would eat more healthily if it was cheaper, around two people in three said yes.

It also doesn't have to be complex to cook.

The secret is finding simple, cheap ways to make meals that are also healthy.

According to a study from the Institute of Economic Affairs, healthy food can work out cheaper than junk food - that's that looked at the cheapest ready meals, pizzas, burgers and cereals and compared them with typical fruit and vegetables.

But if you're looking to make the change, how can you cut costs and still eat well - and not spend your life in the kitchen as a result?

Here are 7 top tips:

1. Buy frozen - In most cases frozen food has more or less exactly the same nutrients as fresh - but for less money. More than that, frozen chopped veg can be used as you need without fear it will go off. And you can freeze a lot more than you might think.
2. Buy tinned - Tinned food has almost all the advantages of frozen food, but doesn't need to be kept in the freezer. But be careful on the taste before you buy big.
3. Buy bulk - If you have the space, bulk-buying foods that don't go off can save serious cash. Think flour, rice, lentils, pasta, porridge and more.
4. Buy ugly - the shape of a vegetable in no way impacts its tastiness or nutritional value. But people are less likely to buy it none the less. "Ugly' food is sometimes sold for less.
5. Plan - If you don’t plan your meals then it’s much easier to slide back into unhealthy eating. It also means you buy what you need, and don't waste cash on fresh food that might go off. And don't forget to include lunches too.
6. Flavour - Spices, herbs, chili, garlic and more are cheap, and can transform even a bowl of lentils into something that make your mouth water.
7. Time and place - You can get great deals when buying some foods online, while fresh foods that are in season locally are often cheaper. And remember, discounted items that are at their sell-buy date can frequently be frozen at home - so bargains should not be ignored.