Americans spend a lot of money on food and coffee every year. We are social creatures who love to spend time with each other and connect over food and drinks. From lunches to coffeehouse meetings, it can all become expensive. I compiled some of my thoughts, best practices, and experiences while our family has been on a journey to becoming debt free. With a little planning and communication, you can save some money and lose a few pounds in the process too!
1. Make your own lunch.
According to the Huffington Post, Americans spend close to $2,000 a year eating out at lunch during the workweek. After reading that, this tip goes without saying. Plan a shopping trip and purchase foods that are easy to pack such as sandwiches, salads, and fruits and veggies. Make your lunch the night before if you can to save time in the morning. If you go to work without a plan or a packed lunch, you will be tempted to “grab something,” which can result in spending too much money and eating way too many calories. Think of how much you will save your pocketbook and your waistline!
2. Don’t eat two helpings at dinner.
If you get bored with your food easily like I do, this tip is for you when making your own lunch. Did you have a delicious soup for dinner? How about a casserole? Was there anything salvageable for dinner? Soups and casseroles can go a long way. Get creative when you make your lunch the next day and reuse the leftovers. If you have the urge to have a second helping at dinner, fill up on fruits and veggies instead. You will save time and money the next day, and your waistline will also thank you.
3. Pack a “picnic lunch” for lunch with friends.
I have to credit a good friend for this idea! Lunch with friends is always a great idea, so why not pack your lunch and meet up with them at an agreed upon location? The park is always nice. If the weather is too cold, maybe you could open up your house for a lunch meeting. It is nice to get out of the office and enjoy each other’s company on your terms and not the restaurant’s. All it takes is a little planning (see items 1 and 2 above) and communication with your friends.
4. Make your own coffee at home.
I used to think I was single-handedly keeping our local coffee shop in business with my morning caffeine fix. If you are a coffee junkie like me, this can become quite an expensive habit! Once I started watching my dollars and cents, I noticed I was spending close to $60 a month on coffee. After picking myself up off the floor, I made a small upfront investment in portable coffee cups. Also, I started buying bulk coffee at the grocery store and using our single serve coffee machine. Mix this with a little creamer or almond milk and you have the potential for some great coffee. Be careful with the creamer if you are watching your calories though – it can quickly add up. Do you want to have coffee with friends? See item 3 above and replace “picnic lunch” with “picnic coffee.” Remember to still treat yourself to a gourmet coffee once in a while, but don’t make it a daily habit.
5. Pack nutritious snacks.
Does your tummy start grumbling around mid-morning like mine does? How about that mid-afternoon slump? There is a lot to be said about packing your own snacks. Some ideas include Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, granola, protein bars, or sliced veggies and hummus to name a few. If you have friends in the office, alternate weeks where one of you brings a community fruit or veggie tray at the beginning of each week to share. Make sure either of these options include snacks you will eat so you are not tempted to run to the vending machine and purchase empty calories at a marked up price.
With a little bit of planning, each of these practical ideas can make your dollar stretch and your waistline shrink!
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