I love dining out...maybe a little bit too much. I enjoy absorbing the environment of a restaurant, asking the staff what they'd recommend, and trying out something new that I'd never think to make. Dining out is also a huge reason why I love to travel, especially if I can try region-specific foods that I don't normally have access to.
Restaurant prices, I love much less. 😅
One of the biggest things that people overspend on is food. Common examples could be relying a lot on takeout and restaurants, shopping without a plan, or meal-prepping-then-tossing the food that you don't eat. People might also face restrictions with food, which means that they have to spend more. (For example, folks who cannot have dairy or gluten may have to spend more for the swaps they can consume.)
Meal planning and preparation can also take a bit of time and energy to devote to. Years ago when I was working over 40 hours per week and only making just enough money to get by, my time and energy were often too low to consider food options that were healthy, within my budget, and low effort. Below I've included some resources that I found really helpful to make sure that I was fed good, budget-friendly food that didn't take too much energy to make.
BOOK/BLOG RECOMMENDATIONS
Good and Cheap by Leanne Brown, this book is available for free as a PDF here. Brown wrote her book for folks living on SNAP benefits (food stamps). It has fantastic recommendations for shopping, meal prep, and recipe variations, and I've recommended it to my own clients who are strapped for cash. (And the photographs are beautiful!)
Budget Bytes by Beth Moncel, also the name of her fantastic and beautiful blog (Budget Bytes). The recipes are delicious, easy to follow, and have a cost breakdown.
Stonesoup blog by Jules Clancy. Her recipes are delicious, she shares great tips on variations, and her blog was beyond helpful when I was first living on my own and had a tight budget. Years later, I still make her Chicken + Peppers with a side of rice.
Here is a list of meal planning options that are healthy, frugal, and easy to make. Feel free to mix and match these options, swap out foods based on what's in-season or available in your area, or incorporate these ideas into your weekly meal prep.
BREAKFASTS
Overnight oats with milk (dairy or nondairy), chia seeds, and mixed berries.
Whole-grain toast with natural nut butter and banana slices.
Greek yogurt with honey, granola, and nuts.
Veggie omelette with greens, tomatoes, and cheese. (Or make-ahead egg muffins.)
Fruit smoothie with frozen fruits, spinach, yogurt, and a little water.
LUNCHES
Chickpea salad with cucumber, bell pepper, and a homemade lemon or apple cider vinaigrette.
Whole-wheat wrap with grilled chicken, hummus, mixed greens, and sliced red onion.
Lentil soup with whole-grain crackers.
Quinoa salad with black beans, corn, avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Tuna salad with whole-grain crackers and a side of carrot sticks.
DINNERS
Baked sweet potato with black beans, salsa, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Stir-fried vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers) with tofu and brown rice.
Pasta with marinara sauce, sautéed greens or side salad, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Grilled chicken breast, steamed or sautéed vegetables, and quinoa.
Homemade vegetable and bean stew with whole-grain bread.
SNACKS
Apple slices with natural nut butter.
Hummus with vegetable sticks (such as carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, celery).
Mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts).
Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and some cinnamon.
Rice cakes with nut butter and banana slices.
Please share your ideas for frugal, healthy, and easy foods!