I see that I just scratched the surface with ways to slim down on a budget. You wrote in an amazing number of really helpful suggestions to slim down while watching your dollars. Here's a summary of some of the top responses. Others you'd like to add? Please post away!
(1) Start a vegetable garden. Many people suggested growing your own vegetables. Whether in your yard, or some pots, from seeds or plants - it's really easy. No green thumb necessary! Most popular choices for this season are tomatoes, green beans, and zucchini.
(2) Cook some one-pot meals in bulk Making a large pot of a chicken and vegetable stew and dividing into several meals is a big money AND time saver.
(3) Use dried beans and other vegetable proteins to replace meat: : Whether it's a one pot meal, or a stew, many people save lot of money by going the vegetable protein route. A low cost and low fat option, for sure.
(4) Select plain grains and season on your own: Whether it's plain oatmeal, or rice, or pasta, you liked the idea of cooking the basic product (a very economical pick!), and adding your own seasonings. For oatmeal, additions from raisins to cinnamon, to apples doll up a simple cereal. Rice can have seasonings, veggies, or anything else you feel like adding (even leftover ingredients from another meal!).
(5) Pack a lunch: Lots of folks choose this option. The extra time saves money. Whether it's leftovers, or an intentional supermarket purchase, it's a sure way to save money. A major plus if you bring your own beverage.
More on tap water........
A lot of people were up in arms with my suggestion of drinking tap water. Of course, the quality of water varies in many parts of the country. But I still stand on my original view that once you've tested your tap water for safety, it's a major money saver. Get rid of juices and sodas, and stick with water. If you don't want to use a water filter on your tap, use a filter pitcher. Both a very economical. If you're not comfortable with tap water under any circumstance, than look for the cheapest store brand around, or stock up on your favorite when it's on sale. Sometimes a 24-pack is marked down to around $4!
I'd love to hear more!
译文:
再谈廉价饮食
我知道自己在省钱的路上走的并不远。您在节省开支的同时已提出了很多十分有效的建议。这里摘录了几条最有效的方法。您有没有其他的补充？请您寄来。
（1）开始在园子里种蔬菜：很多人建议自己种植蔬菜。不管是在您的园子里还是器皿里，可以是种子也可以是秧苗——这十分简单。不需要园艺技术！这个季节最好的选择是番茄、青豆和西葫芦。
（2）多用大锅炖菜：用大锅炖鸡肉和蔬菜，然后把它们分成几样菜，这样会节省大量的时间和金钱。
（3）用干豆和其他蔬菜蛋白来代替肉类：不管是大锅炖菜还是熬汤，很多人在蔬菜蛋白路线上节省了大量金钱。选择了低价位低脂肪，当然如此。
（4）选择日常的谷物再自己调味：不管是日常的燕麦，还是大米，再或是面团儿，用你愿意的方式把它简单烹制一下（要用省钱的方式！），然后再自己调味。比如燕麦，加上点葡萄干，或是肉桂，要不就用苹果片造型出一份简洁大方的早餐。大米的话可以调下味，加些蔬菜或是任何你想加的东西（甚至是某一餐的残羹！）。
（5）将午餐打包：许多亲人都会选择这么做。即省钱又省时间。不论是将饭菜打包还是有意去超市里采购，都肯定会是省钱的方法。有个重要的补充就是您要自带饮品。
再说一下自来水......
很多人都强烈反对我那个喝自来水的建议。当然了，自来水的品质各个地方差异很大。但我还是坚持原来的立场，那就是“如果你喝了自来水而没有健康问题”，它会是主要的省钱途径。远离果汁和苏打，坚持喝水。如果您不想在水龙头上加装过滤器的话，可以使用带过滤功能的饮水机。它们都很经济。如果您出于某种原因饮用自来水会不适的话，可以去找找廉价的便利店，或在您喜欢的饮品销售时将它们囤积起来。有时候标着每包24美元的可以便宜到4$！