A penny saved…

Working in a large city, I know how quickly eating out adds up. When I first started working, I loved the novelty of instant food with zero effort and sometimes every one of my meals was purchased.

I realized that what I liked best was having meals that tasted fresh. I wanted something tasty and healthy that seemed made just for me. Did I mention that I hate leftovers?

It’s taken me a while to realize that it is possible for me to create simple and quick meals that I enjoy. In the process, my wallet seems to be bursting at the seams. Cutting down on prepared and restaurant food isn’t just healthier, it’s far cheaper.

I tend to be the dinner time chef of the family, though since I’ve been working later my husband has started to pick up the slack. I try to always cook far more for dinner than we’ll eat. Leftovers, previously the bane of my existence, go straight in the freezer.

I realized that what I hated about leftovers is that they usually sit in the fridge for a couple of days before being eaten; by then, any freshness has long since disappeared. Freezing them immediately makes me feel like I have something new.

With two or three portions frozen at a time, my husband and I have the chance to have something new for lunch each day. For days where I want something different, I have containers of homemade soup frozen along with pre-cooked portions of meet or veet frozen for salads.

I know that when I start getting lazy with my lunches - and lowering the quality level - is connected to when I want to start eating out regularly again. Just like I’m trying to be committed to a frugal lifestyle, providing myself with healthy food is another priority. Brown bagging gives me the best of both worlds.

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