YOU don't have to have a particularly healthy bank balance to enjoy a healthy diet.

For example, for the price of a packet of cigarettes (£4), you can rustle up a nutritious Lamb Tikka for two in less than 15 minutes. And that's cheaper and more nutritious than the local curry house.

British Meat offer a few extra tips for stretching your food budget:

Compare prices from store to store, not forgetting that supermarket own brands are often the cheapest option.

Wait until the end of the day for reduced produce.

Buy fresh fruit and vegetables from open-air markets.

QUICK TIKKA RECIPE

Serves 2

In a large non-stick frying pan or saucepan, fry 225g (8oz) lean lamb or beef grilling/frying steaks, cubed, and 2 onions, thinly sliced in 5ml (1 teaspoonful) oil until browned. Approximately 3-4 minutes.

Add 500g (approx) jar of shop-bought tikka cooking sauce, bring to the boil and simmer for 5-6 minutes.

Serve on a pile of boiled rice with naan bread.