Mum-of-six, Jess tells us how she budgets for her big family

Jess is looking absolutely radiant in her sixth pregnancy. In fact, this mum of five reveals she’s feeling healthy and happy (but tired!), and she’s getting healthy and nutritious meals organised ahead of baby number six’s arrival and the exhausting newborn baby bubble.

“With my earlier pregnancies, I wasn’t organised at all. I just ate whatever I fancied, would binge on unhealthy food at times, and I barely ate fruits or vegetables,” she admits.

“But now I’m taking care of myself as well as my unborn child. The Healthy Mummy (a health, wellness and nutrition program) has introduced me to so many new foods and helped me understand how to make healthy food choices that I love! It’s made a huge difference to my energy levels. I’ve also maintained a balanced diet without a mega weight gain like in the past.

“If I ever have a pregnancy craving, I search The Healthy Mummy app for a healthier version.”

For Jess, taking care of her family and herself (and her unborn baby) is the most important thing, but she is also very conscious of their budget and looks for savings where she can. She calculates she is saving $100 a week by planning ahead and eating healthier.

Jess is saving $100 per week

“Right now, we are spending approximately $250 a week for seven people, which I am super happy with (not including toiletries, cleaning or nappies). It’s roughly $300–$350 when we are getting toiletries, nappies and wipes,” she says.

“Back when we used to eat takeaway, we would easily spend $60–$100 a time for one takeaway! Along with the unhealthy takeaway, we also ate a lot of pre-packaged food, which is more expensive and less nutritious, but now we make our own healthy, fakeaways and snacks.

“By being organised, we avoid last-minute takeaway grabs and can whip up something much healthier with pantry staples in 15 minutes.”

Ahead of her baby’s arrival, Jessica has stocked her pantry full of staples, such as beans and legumes, she’s made a heap of healthy breastfeeding snacks and she’s also meal-prepped.

Some family favourite meals are the Easy Chicken Nachos, Sausage and Veggie Pasta Bake and Spiced Chickpea Nourish Bowls.

“I also make a lot of hidden veggie sausage rolls, Vegemite scrolls and salted caramel bliss balls for school snacks. Choc Chip Banana Bread is my go-to baking treat,” she says.

“I don’t like food wastage, and to save money I had to change my approach to shopping. By using a meal plan and buying specials, we save a lot of money!

“We also aim for a couple of vegetarian meals each week to reduce meat costs.”

With all the savings Jessica is making, she loves to splash out on her family, by taking them to the zoo, trampoline parks and the theatre.

“We save a huge amount of money taking our own drink bottles and snacks from the freezer stash, which leaves more money for more regular outings and the occasional sneaky milkshake,” she says.

“The money we save each week on groceries we put straight into the holiday account for our annual family holiday to the Gold Coast.”

At 32 weeks pregnant, Jess is organised and energised.

“I feel so great within myself!” she adds. “Thanks to the extra energy, I can keep up with my busy lifestyle without needing to slow down.”

This article is an edited extract from The Healthy Mummy magazine (published by Are Media). On sale now!