10 Eating Habits of People Living on a Tight Budget
We’ve all been there: unexpected expenses put a big dent in your budget and finances are a little tight. The rent or mortgage is due and you don’t have another paycheck coming for another week.
It’s time to kick into survival mode. You need to start thinking about what you really need and food is definitely on that list. It’s time to get creative. Of course coupons are always part of your saving strategy but coupons on fresh food are harder to find. Here are 10 Eating Habits of People Living on a Tight Budget.
1. Skip the coffee shop and get your coffee in the office break room. It may not be the same quality, but it’s still a caffeine fix and it doesn’t cost you anything.
2. Reach for a carton of eggs. The average carton of eggs is about $2, but will feed you several times. In addition to fried, poached and scrambled, you can make egg sandwiches and omelets. Or you can hard boil them and add them to a salad for protein.
3. Skip the soda and drink water. Not only is water less expensive, it’s more filling. Hydrating your body will reduce hunger and keep you filling fuller longer.
4. Look for deals. Pizza and sub shops are always offering great deals. $1 pizza, $2 subs. Take a look around your local area and ask your friends. Many grocery stores offer family meal deals for less than $20. They are enough to feed a family of four, but if you’re only feeding yourself, that’s four meals for you.
5. Have a salad. You can fill yourself up for very little with a head of lettuce, some beans and a hard-boiled egg. What’s even better, a head of lettuce will probably provide 3-4 small meals.
6. Stock up on beans. They provide fiber and protein and don’t hurt your limited budget. In addition to salads, you can add them to soups or make bean tacos.
7. Check your local ads to find deals. You can usually find some great items on sale that you can build a meal around. Plan your meals by what is on sale.
8. Learn when your grocery store marks down their fresh meat. You can save a ton of money and have a meal to cook that night or something to stock the freezer for later.
9. Eat more pasta. A box of pasta and a jar of sauce will provide several, filling meals to sustain you.
10. Pick up a rotisserie chicken. A whole chicken can provide several meals. Serve it with mashed potatoes and gravy for dinner then make chicken salad for lunch the next day.