The aim is to keep every family member happy and healthier for less.

Putting even the most basic of food items on the table has become a daily struggle for a growing number of families and it's often thought that to eat healthy food is more expensive.

But nutritionist Sally Boyer and her husband Derek - the world's strongest man over 40 and a former Gladiator - have come to the rescue with an e-book titled 'How to Feed a Family of Four on $50 a Week'.

• Budget family food challenge
• Generic brands vs expensive alternatives
• Simple cooking with the kids

"There is a misconception out there that it costs a lot to eat healthy, but we're proving that you can eat healthily on a budget," Sally said.

Sally and Derek's book was born out of concern for a client who had a dilemma.

"She was spending (money) on frozen meat pies and two minute noodles. I was really concerned but understood there were many families out there in the same situation, so I made a promise to her to come up with a solution," Sally said.

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They've recruited good mate and chef John Mundell to turn $50 worth of healthy ingredients into a week's worth of mouthwatering meals.

Derek says the book contains twenty principles that revolve around shopping smarter, to extend the value of every dollar you spend.

"You know some of the principles involve getting together in small groups and hunting as a tribe, so that you can make bulk purchases in which you can really reduce the cost of each product that you buy."

Sally says her food budget and recipes can be adapted to a family of any size.

If you have more cash to spend, use the staples as your base and build from there. But Sally stresses you'll need to step away from the supermarkets to source the real bargains.

And according to Sally, in the end it's not just money you'll be saving. "With the variety of foods that you're able to purchase using our plan, your nutrition goes through the roof, your quality of life will go through the roof."

• Only buy meats under $5 a kilo;
• Buy staples like potatoes and onions in bulk;
• Grow your own vegetables and herbs;
• Form a relationship with your local producers;
• Don't be afraid to ask for a better price;
• Shop in the last half hour of trade at markets for giveaways and bargains.

• How to Feed a Family - www.howtofeedafamily.com