About the author: This article was written by Andrew Salmon from LifeCover – a website about life insurance companies
Being out of work can be a scary thing. There is a general loss of security in your life, money worries, and you might even be wondering where your next meal will come from. It’s no laughing matter. But nothing to lose hope over either. No matter what your income level, you can still eat healthy and cheaply while you’re between jobs.
Here are 5 tips to guide you:
1. Water You Waiting For?
Juices, sodas, drinks before dinner… there’s a whole beverage industry out there in case you hadn’t noticed. So when you’re watching pennies, switch to water. Tap or bottled, water is the better deal and better for you. We all know it’s essential to our well being, both mental and physical, so guzzle it down. A side benefit is that staying hydrated also gives us a full feeling and can curb appetite. And you can’t put a price on that when you’re feeling the money crunch.
2. Multitask Foods
Eggs, tuna, tomatoes, cheese and greens are just some of the foods you need to stock up on while you’re between jobs. All of the above can be used in sandwiches, salads, and other meals. Most can be had relatively cheaply when you consider all the things they can be used for. When browsing the grocery aisles, look for other foods that can be used for breakfast, lunch or dinner. While you’re not working, let your groceries work for you.
3. Pass the Pasta
Recent problems with wheat crops have led to a rise in the cost of pasta on the world market but it is still one of the cheapest, healthiest buys out there. It’s low in fat, high in fiber and iron and it can be served many, many different ways. You’re only limited by your imagination. It will also fill you up and keep you full for a long time.
4. The Fats of Life
Sure, who doesn’t prefer organic beef or buffalo? Or those lean chicken breasts? Well, until you’re back on your feet again financially, you need to stay clear of these. That doesn’t mean you have to drool past the meat aisle either. Buy the fattier cuts of meat. They are substantially cheaper and you can trim a lot of the fat yourself. What’s left is fat your body needs. Yes, some fats are good for you and meat has them. Plus meat is an excellent energy source, which you’ll need when you’re pounding the pavement.
5. Generic
Brand loyalty can be worn like a badge of pride or can merely be a force of habit. Either way, you’re out of work and its time to think about how you’re spending what money you do have. Generic or store brand products are where you need to turn your attention at the supermarket. Sure, they might not taste the same as your favorite, but they are cheaper, just as healthy and, hopefully, temporary. Serve ’em up. You’ll live.
The main ingredient in all of these food items is hope. Don’t let yourself get down or you’ll stray to unhealthy, and often expensive, comfort foods. Your health and mental outlook will suffer as a result. Eat healthy. Stay positive. And the rest will work itself out.