How to save money if you don’t like to cook?
Not everyone is interested in cooking…or maybe just not all the time. We hear that one of the best ways to save money is to cook at home. So how do we eat well and still save money if we don’t cook? Here are some ideas and links to helpful articles...
We’re busy! Too busy to fuss with a recipe in the morning and especially not at lunch. If we can simplify our morning and lunch meal routine, we can breeze through the day with nutritious foods fueling us along the way.
Let’s start with some easy breakfast and lunch ideas:
Small plates - think protein + whole grain + vegetable/fruit. Using this formula, you can come up with anything! I like an easy hard-boiled egg + toast + fresh fruit
Smoothies - throw it all in a blender and be done! In this way, you can decide you want/need, and limit/eliminate the sugar! https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/photos/smoothie-recipes
Oatmeal - the options are endless here. Add a cup of finely chopped power greens to the dried oatmeal, add water, microwave, mix, then add a dollop of greek yogurt and top with a handful of raisins/blueberries. etc and you have a very healthy breakfast.
Or, consider overnight oats: https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g40677357/overnight-oats-recipes/
Sandwiches! https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/healthy/g4081/healthy-sandwiches/
And more: https://www.ahealthysliceoflife.com/no-cook-breakfast-ideas/
Now that we’ve made it through the busy day, we’re tired! Sometimes figuring out what to eat for dinner can feel more difficult than that project we worked on all day! Here are ideas for assembling meals based on what you have in the fridge, preparing something in 15-20 min or less, or even eating out.
No cook options: https://www.delish.com/cooking/g1451/quick-weeknight-no-cook-recipes/
Meals in 20 min or less! https://theadventurebite.com/dinner-ideas/
https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/15-minute-dinners/
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/g44560437/healthy-sheet-pan-dinners/
If you go out, opt for healthy take-out at low cost…most servings can be split into 2 meals https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-restaurant-for-quick-healthy-food/
Salad And Go…or another salad take-out option in your area. Great greens at low prices
Panera
Best Items To Order:Salads, certain soups, certain sandwiches and apple slices.
What To Avoid: Sandwiches that are high in sodium and saturated fats, cream-based soups, baked goods and potato chips.
Chick fil-A:
Best Items To Order: Salads, grilled chicken dishes, yogurt parfait and egg white sandwiches.
What To Avoid: Fried foods, sauces and carb-heavy options like biscuit sandwiches.
Chipotle:
Best Items To Order: Salad bowls, burrito bowls, tacos, brown rice and build-your-own options.
What To Avoid: Dishes with lots of cheese or sauces, white rice and quesadillas.
Want to sit down at a restaurant? Sounds lovely!
Here are some inexpensive places. Just remember to skip the fried foods, and limit the salt and sauces: https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/saving-and-budgeting/articles/these-are-the-cheapest-restaurants-to-feed-a-family And for those of you 50 or better, AARP offers 10-20% off many restaurants, listed on their website. Don’t forget the take-out box for a second meal later!
We can’t avoid the grocery store completely, but we can score some discounts and even pick up a few prepared meals:
Fresh grocery store pre-made meals - head to the deli! From Costco, grab a 6 pack of Italian ground beef stuffed peppers and pair with a side of fresh cucumbers and some raspberries sprinkled with powdered sugar for dessert. Easy and will last for several days!
Monthly Discounts: Many grocery stores offer a 10% Senior Discount the 1st Wednesday of each month. If you are 55 or better, ask yours if they do.
Discount Stores: Check out your inexpensive grocery stores if you haven’t already. We hear that Aldi offers low prices and good quality.
Consider these staples: Here are some of the best foods to buy when you’re trying to save money: https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/spending/articles/cheap-foods-to-buy-when-youre-broke
A Gift to You! And when people ask you what you’d like for your birthday, or the holidays, opt for a restaurant or take-out gift card!