by Sonia-Doris Andras

Created on: March 04, 2010   Last Updated: March 05, 2010

Saving money does not mean one should turn into a Scrooge-like person, nor that one would end up starving just to have some extra cash. Eating, like sleeping and hopefully constantly keeping one's hygiene in proper boundaries, is a necessary - and mandatory! - part of our lives. That is, we cannot live without eating, but can we live without money?

Well, considering that nowadays "organic" food is somewhat of a luxury in some parts of the world, whereas the simple idea  of "food" is one in some other areas, I cannot define "eating" from just one point of view. You eat because the body needs energy, you eat because you love eating, you eat not to die, etc. Nevertheless, if an average American and Ethiopian - let's say - are put face to face and asked about how much they sacrifice from their personal funds to properly nourish themselves and their family, the two answers will turn out to be as different as possible. In any case, there are still some lucky ones - namely farmers - who actually grow their own food, so they can use the money they would spend on food (like going to the supermarket every day or week) on something else, possibly vital as well.

But mind you, city people, you don't necessarily have to grow a mini vegetable garden in your balcony (although I would not advise against it either) to eat properly and still have some money in your pockets. I learned from my own experience(s) that if one respects a few rules, saving money would not lead to an unnecessary anorexic future:

* Sort out what is vital and what is not - do you cook? then keep/start buying all those green, red, yellow things called vegetables (no pun intended!), maybe a cook book and try your hand (if you're already doing so, GG!) - prioritize your menu, don't just buy things to fill your fridge and then forget them there! 

* Eliminate the junk: yes, all those crunchy things, beverages, and other stuff people eat watching football games - for example, are not healthy at all - even if they say they're natural! Just think about how much money you're spending on things that hurt you! 

* Try to not to eat out more than two or three times a month - think about it: you are eating something you could cook yourself and you pay for the location, you have to tip the waiter, you probably need to buy some extra things (like a coffee, a soda of some kind, etc.) not to seem weird, especially if you're with somebody - you might need to pay for them as well! - do you need that?

* Get some help - Youtube and any cooking videos (you can even watch Julie and Julia or Dae Jang Geum just to steal some secrets) can be very helpful, but if you really don't have the time or the ability (intention) to get your hands dirty, then semi-cooked food is good as well - just take care about how much chemically processed it is!

* Make sandwiches, obento, or anything you can carry with yourself at work - you'd save a lot of money, you won't have to order food, you'll have it there, cheap, tasty (because you've made it!) and healthy!

* Replace sweets with fruits - there is such a wide variety of fruits that can be sweet, bitter or whatever taste they could have and you won't only eat fruits - they also contain lots and lots of vitamins!

* Give yourself a prize (every month or so) for everything you've done so far - you can afford one luxury a month (also see the eating out bit), and you'll come to be looking forward to the "I've eaten healthy and today I can buy something expensive" prize

* Last but not least - my basic rule nowadays - Look at the price, but also look at what's in it.

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