Top 5 Cheapest Foods You Can Live On: How to Save Big Without Sacrificing Health?
What's the Cheapest Food You Can Live On? Save Big Without Sacrificing Health
Introduction: Living Cheaply Without Going Hungry
Well, we all know that food is one of the biggest expenses in life. But what if you’re on a super tight budget and need to figure out the cheapest food you can survive on? It might sound tough, but trust me, it’s totally doable. And actually, I’ve been there. When I was living on a shoestring budget a few years ago, I had to get creative with my food choices.
So, what’s the cheapest food you can live on? Let me take you through some of the most affordable yet nutritious options out there that will help you stretch your dollars without skimping on your health.
1. Rice and Beans: A Classic for a Reason
Why Rice and Beans are the Ultimate Budget Staple
You might have already guessed this one. Rice and beans are basically the MVPs of cheap food. Honestly, they’re filling, nutritious, and you can buy them in bulk for pennies. I remember back when I was in college, I ate this combo nearly every day. (I know, it sounds boring, but trust me, it’s better than nothing!)
Rice is a great source of carbs, while beans provide protein and fiber. Together, they create a complete meal that can keep you going for hours. Plus, they’re easy to cook and super versatile. You can add spices, vegetables, or even meat if your budget allows.
How to Make the Most Out of Rice and Beans
Buy in bulk: It’s much cheaper that way.
Get creative with flavors: Use garlic, onions, or a little hot sauce to mix things up.
Add frozen veggies: These can be affordable and add extra nutrients.
Honestly, if you’re looking to save cash and still feel satisfied, rice and beans should be your go-to. They’re cheap, healthy, and filling, which is exactly what you need when your budget is tight.
2. Potatoes: The Ultimate Cheap Superfood
Why Potatoes Are Your Best Friend
Okay, so hear me out on this one. Potatoes might seem basic, but they’re actually a nutritional powerhouse and crazy cheap. You can buy a 10-pound bag for a few bucks. I remember during a particularly tough financial month, potatoes were pretty much my best friend. They’re starchy, filling, and can be cooked in endless ways—mashed, baked, boiled, or even fried if you’re in the mood for something a little indulgent.
Potatoes are loaded with vitamins (especially vitamin C) and fiber. They also provide a good amount of energy, which is something you’ll need if you're cutting back on everything else.
Cooking Tips for Cheap Potato Dishes
Baked potatoes: Load them up with some cheese, sour cream, or even leftover veggies.
Mashed potatoes: Add a little butter or olive oil for richness.
Potato salad: A simple dish you can make with just a few ingredients.
I mean, who doesn’t love a good baked potato? It's probably one of the cheapest comfort foods you can make, and you don’t need anything fancy to enjoy it.
3. Pasta: Cheap, Filling, and Versatile
Why Pasta is So Affordable
Pasta is another food that won’t break the bank. You can buy a huge bag of spaghetti or penne for a couple of bucks, and it will last for a week or more depending on how much you eat. Now, I’m not saying pasta is the healthiest food out there, but you can definitely make it healthier with a few tweaks (hello, veggies and lean proteins).
What I love about pasta is how versatile it is. You can make a quick tomato sauce, add in some leftover chicken or veggies, and boom, you’ve got a meal. Honestly, I’ve had days where all I had was pasta and canned tomatoes, and I still felt satisfied.
How to Stretch Your Pasta Meals
Add canned veggies: Cheap and nutritious.
Use pasta water: Don’t waste that starchy water—it’s perfect for sauces!
Experiment with simple sauces: Tomato sauce, garlic and olive oil, or even peanut butter if you're feeling adventurous.
Look, pasta is cheap, filling, and a lifesaver when you need to stretch your meals. Add a little seasoning, and you’ve got yourself a meal that won’t leave you hungry.
4. Eggs: Affordable Protein Power
Why Eggs Should Be a Staple in Your Diet
If you’ve ever wondered how to get enough protein on a budget, eggs are your answer. They’re super affordable, versatile, and packed with protein. I’ve been there—eating scrambled eggs every morning for weeks. Eggs don’t get enough credit, honestly.
One of my friends was telling me recently how she makes an omelette with whatever leftovers she has in the fridge. A bit of cheese, veggies, maybe a few slices of leftover chicken, and she’s got a solid meal that doesn’t cost much. Eggs are so cheap that you could have them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner without feeling guilty.
How to Use Eggs on a Budget
Scramble them with cheese and veggies for a quick meal.
Hard boil eggs for a snack or to add to salads.
Make egg fried rice with leftover rice (another cheap dish!).
I’m telling you, eggs are an underrated superfood when you’re trying to save money but still eat healthy.
5. Canned and Frozen Vegetables: Budget-Friendly and Nutritious
Why Frozen and Canned Veggies Are Essential
When you’re trying to live on the cheap, fresh veggies can sometimes feel like a luxury. But canned and frozen vegetables are where it's at. They’re way cheaper, and you don’t have to worry about them going bad. Plus, they still pack a nutritional punch. I’ve been known to buy frozen mixed veggies and throw them into pretty much anything—rice, pasta, soup, you name it.
Canned veggies can be just as good, though you might want to watch for added salt. The convenience and low cost make them essential for anyone on a tight budget.
Tips for Buying Canned and Frozen Veggies
Look for sales or buy in bulk to save more.
Use frozen veggies in stir-fries, stews, or soups.
Make sure to rinse canned vegetables to reduce excess sodium.
Honestly, canned and frozen veggies are a game-changer when it comes to affordability. They make it easy to get your daily servings of vegetables without having to splurge on fresh produce.
Conclusion: Stretch Your Food Budget Without Sacrificing Health
So, what's the cheapest food you can live on? Honestly, it’s all about finding staples like rice, beans, potatoes, eggs, pasta, and canned or frozen veggies. With these ingredients, you can create a variety of meals that are nutritious, filling, and budget-friendly.
Sure, you might feel like you’re eating the same things over and over, but it’s all about making it work. And hey, if you’re getting creative with your meals, it doesn’t have to be boring. The key is to buy in bulk, cook at home, and avoid expensive takeout. Trust me, you can live on a super tight budget and still eat well!
How much height should a boy have to look attractive?
Well, fellas, worry no more, because a new study has revealed 5ft 8in is the ideal height for a man. Dating app Badoo has revealed the most right-swiped heights based on their users aged 18 to 30.
Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.