The Pantry Challenge

Tip one is all about setting the rules.

How long is this challenge? Now you could start out very simply.

Just go to the supermarket one day later each week.

Or try it for a few days a week.

Or in Natalie's case, over a month.

Yeah, absolutely.

I said to my hubby, no, I'm not going out.

It was basically what we've got is what we've got.

Within reason, because the next question is, are you allowed to spend anything during the challenge? When Natalie's kids were young, she allowed for a small weekly top-up.

That was up to $80 a week.

We did need our milk, fresh veg and fresh fruit.

But these days, Natalie and her husband are empty nesters.

So if she does a pantry challenge now, she's really just buying dairy products.

And that top-up allowance...

I actually got it down to $35 a week.

Now, you might be thinking, what? How? And does Natalie have a magic pantry or fridge freezer? Well, no, clearly not.

But she does take advantage of every option available.

Like...

Can you forage? What have you got growing in the garden? What kitchen staples you have, as well as...

Basically, using everything in your freezer that you've pre-prepared.

More on that shortly, but one last point about the rules.

We've talked a bit about gamification on this show.

And you can gamify eating down the pantry.

Challenge yourself and other family members to make a meal from what you've got available.

Or get friends involved.