7 Frugal Lunches for the Cheap "Chef"

Let me start out by saying: nothing is wrong with being cheap. Being cheap simply equates to 'living within your means' which is a very admirable trait. If more people could learn how to budget and live within their earning capacity, then there would probably be less credit card companies and a better mortgage and real estate industry today. Are you one of those penny pinching people? Then, stand proud because there is absolute pride and incredible skill involved in being frugal!

Below are seven lunch ideas for the Cheap Chef. Keep in mind that these suggestions were developed on the basis that everyone lives near a dollar or 99 cent store, or are price conscious in their own grocery store. To add more nutritional value to the lunches, you are encouraged to pack a piece of fruit or veggie and have a bottle of water or ice tea as your healthy beverage.

Day 1 - Top Ramen Noodles, Cost: $0.10-0.16/serving
You can usually get 10 packages of Top Ramen for a dollar. To add protein, simply stir in 2 raw eggs after mixing in the seasoning packet. For more variety, you can also add vegetables like broccoli, corn and/or green onions during boiling.

Day 2 - Hot Dog, Cost $0.32/serving
Wieners are a bargain at 8/package for $1. Eight buns can be bought for $1.50. Simply complement your hot dog with your choice of condiments: ketchup, mustard, relish, or mayonnaise. If you'd like to vary your basic dog, then wrap it up with bacon and fry it on a skill it, sprinkle with sauteed onions and bell peppers -- ingredients that are also friendly to the budget. Oh joy!

Day 3 - Spaghetti, Cost $1.33/serving
I like making this for dinner, then eat any leftovers the following day. Noodles can be purchased at $0.50/package; a jar of sauce can be found at $1/jar. Feel free to add ground turkey or beef for protein, or you can lower your costs by slicing some hot dogs instead of using ground meat. Sprinkle spaghetti with Parmesan cheese as desired.

Day 4 - Asian Salad, Cost $1.50/serving
Simplify your life by buying the prepackage salads in the produce section of your supermarket. Asian Salad is one of my favorites. All included is the packet of salad dressing, crispy wonton strips, and dehydrated cherries. One package of salad can feed two people. Refreshing!

Day 5 - 2 Cheese Quesadillas, Cost $0.26/serving
A package of grated cheese and a package 36 tortillas can both be bought for $1/each. Sandwich 1/4 cup of grated cheese in between 2 tortillas, then microwave for 30 seconds. Wallah! Instant Mexican cuisine! To add zest to the quesadillas, eat with a side of salsa.

Day 6 - Chili & Cheese with Baked Bread, Cost $0.79/serving
A can of chili can also be bought for $1. You can choose to have meat or no meat with your chili beans. Keep it warm with a slow-cooker or just microwave the chili until warm. Sprinkle with grated cheese. Freshly baked loaves of bread can be purchased at the grocery for $1-1.49. Cut yourself a slice of bread and enjoy it with your warm chili and melted cheese. Yummy!

Day 7 - Cesar's Pizza, Cost $0.50/serving
Have 'pizza night' with the family the night before then pack yourself a slice of pizza the next day for lunch. Cesar's Pizza always has their $5 pizza special. You can get 10 slices per pizza.

Now always remember to thank God for your blessings -- you're very fortunate to have food. Have you heard about the little boy in the Philippines who ate pebbles just so his stomach would stop growling? My frugal 7 day lunch menu is really not too bad compared to a plateful of pebbles!