What is the lowest budget you can go for a day? Do you think you can make it through with just 10 dollars? How about 5? How about 1 dollar a day? Wait, is this even possible?
If you are just like most people, chances are your mind instantly thought of negative things after asking these questions. More often than not, many people start to shut down then convince themselves that living on a dollar a day is a challenge not worth the try.
Just ask Kerri Leonard and Christopher Greenslate of Encinitas, California. They chronicled their experiment for a whole month in healthy and cheap eating. During this, they learned that it is impossible to eat fresh produce on one dollar unless you have a garden of your own. However, it is very possible to survive on rice, beans, oatmeal, and wheat gluten.
To reduce your budget for food, there is no need for you to try restricting yourself just as how Leonard and Greenslate did. You cannot stay energetic and healthy when you are already becoming malnourished. Since one of your biggest investments is your own health, since you cannot have an income if you cannot work, you have to spend enough cash for you to remain healthy without spending too much money on processed convenience and fast food foods.
Below are several frugal ways to help you save on your food expenses without compromising your health and be able to live on a dollar a day.
Purchase in Bulk
This is the number one secret of Leonard and Greenslate. They bought bulk quantities of rice, beans, and oatmeal. Beans and oatmeal in particular have high fiber and make you feel fuller even for a small amount of money. Purchase as much as you will need for a whole month to enjoy more savings.
Grow Your Own Food
This is not as challenging as it sounds. Every time food prices increase during summer, most people plant their own gardens. You can buy sees for very cheap prices and most vegetables can grow even in small spaces like patio planters or backyards.
Support Local Farmers
Find the closest farmer’s market in your area and take a trip there to pick up the freshest vegetables and fruits of the season. Natural foods always taste great and most of the time, their prices are much better than if you will buy from national supermarkets.
Shop with Coupons
Every dollar a day that you can save is money that you can set aside for future investments. Sign up for your local store’s discount card and use coupons at the same time to increase your savings.
Buy from Bargain Stores
The giant grocery names can charge 50% more compared to low cost discounters. You can find canned goods in bargain shops. There are also dollar stores selling bread, fresh produce, as well as other items that are traditionally expensive. You can even save money if you shop from stores that let you bag your groceries on your own.