Food Tips: Part 1

I am the type of person that has sudden fluxes of serotonin (mood swings) on an empty stomach. Accordingly, I've modified my eating habits to accommodate the temper tantrums of an empty abdominal cavity. It is no surprise that as I lost my job during this deep recession I learned a few magic tricks in order to maintain the happiness that food brings to my life.

 

For example,  I've discovered the utility of a shopping list, the concept of buying supermarket brands, and the value of carrying a calculator to estimate the cost-per-unit of the items I am buying. I know this is like reinventing the wheel, but for a 27-year old single male these notions are novelty. For instance, I found out that buying one 24 oz. can of beer is cheaper than buying a six-pack of the same beer.

 

Also, before you go to the store it doesn't hurt to browse the internet for coupons and freebies. You can find everything from coupons for any imaginable item on the supermarket shelves, to pizza delivery, and discounts to local restaurants. On the freebie side, major brands have links on the website for free trials of their products. You just need to fill out a simple application with your name and address, and in some cases you'll need to pay shipping and handling fees in exchange for free toothpaste, toiletries, perfume, etc.

 

Finally, since the cash flow got meager on my side of the fence I've been making my own versions of my favorites. For 79 cents you can purchase a can of chick peas, throw in a bit of lemon juice, salt and pepper, put it in a blender, and voilá! You have hummus on your plate. Even easier than that, for a $1.50 you can purchase a can of crushed tomatoes with basil, put them in the blender, add salt and pepper, and then reduce the mixture to low heat and have home-made spaghetti sauce. You can do all sorts of home-made goodies: like cookies, bread, and even mustard.

 

As they say: necessity is the mother of invention. Get creative with the little income that you have and together with the pleasant company of your unemployed friends you can have a feast for less!

By Félix Araújo-Pérez

Edited by Jana Dunkley