These days, it has become very simple to arrange food from outside. Choose the mobile, open the app and eat at the entryway in a few minutes. This facility is gradually weighing heavily on our pockets. Sometimes we ourselves do not know how so much money has been spent on food by the end of the month.
The main reason for this is that there is no proper equipment in the house. When we feel hungry and can't find something quick to make, we compulsively order takeout. But if there are always some wisely chosen things in the kitchen, this habit can be easily changed.
This article will tell you which 5 grocery items protect your budget and save you from ordering food from outside. This article is for people of all ages. Whether you are a student, working, housewife or living with family.
Why are costs rising?
Often people think that they order food outside only sometimes. But when the month is calculated, the expenditure turns out to be much more than expected. The reason is very simple.
When we are tired, brief on time or don't feel like cooking, takeout appears to be the least demanding option. But easy things don't always come cheap. A one-time order can be Rs 300-500. If this happens 10 times a month, the expenses reach thousands. If there are things in the house that make a good meal in 10-15 minutes, then the food outside automatically decreases.
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What's a Grocery Budget Hedge?
Grocery Budget Hedge means investing in grocery items that will save you from unnecessary expenses. These things are not costly, but they are very valuable. They help you make fast, tasty and filling dinners at home. These things are not to save money, but to improve your health and habits.
Item 1: Rice and basic pulses
Rice and beats are the soul of Indian households. These are one of the most reliable and inexpensive foods. When there is rice and dal at home, it is not necessary to starve or order food from outside. Rice is cooked very quickly. Dal also does not require much effort. A little bit of oil and spice adds to the flavor.
The biggest specialty of rice and pulses is that they can be prepared in many ways. Simple dal - rice, khichdi, early morning dal or veg pulao. The are many options. When these two things remain in the house, the need to order biryani or thali from outside is reduced.
Item 2: Protein sources such as eggs or cheese
Hunger is felt more when the body does not get sufficient protein. Eating carbohydrates makes the stomach feel purged faster. In such a situation, the want for takeout increases. Eggs or cheese are an easy solution to this problem. Eggs are very cheap and are made in minutes. Omelette, bhurji, boiled egg or egg curry. Delicious in every way.
Paneer is a good option for those who don't eat eggs. Paneer sabzi or bhurji is made quickly with a few spices. When the body gets the right protein, the desire to eat more often decreases. This reduces the cost of food.
Item 3: Instant but healthy snacks
You do not always feel hungry when you eat. Sometimes you feel like eating something in the evening or late at night. This is the time when individuals arrange pizza, burgers or french fries. If there are healthy instant snacks at home, this habit can be changed. For example, roast gram, makhanas, peanuts, poha or upma mix.
These things are made quickly and give satisfaction to the stomach. The taste is also good and one does not miss the junk food outside. When hunger is quenched, the mind also makes the right decisions.
Item 4: Frozen vegetables or chopped vegetables
Often people don't cook because they don't feel like cutting vegetables. This is a small but real problem. After getting tired washing, chopping and cooking vegetables feels heavy.
Frozen vegetables or pre-cut vegetables make this problem easier. You can add them directly to the pan. From them, vegetables, pasta, rice or soup everything is made quickly. Time is saved and the excuse of ordering food from outside is over. Nowadays frozen vegetables of good quality are easily available and they are also good in nutrition.
Item 5: Basic spices and sauces
Sometimes there are things in the house, but the taste does not form. In such a situation, outside food looks more attractive. The right flavors and sauces can solve this problem.
Basic flavors like salt, turmeric, chilli, coriander powder should be in each house. Include a small very delicious soya sauce, tomato sauce or chili sauce. Simple food from them also becomes fun. The taste will be good, so you will not miss eating outside. When home food is tasty, takeout is automatically reduced.
How do these 5 items together save the budget?
When there is the right stuff in the kitchen, food decisions become easier. When you feel hungry, food does not come to your mind. Home-cooked food is the first choice. You can make a variety of dishes every day. Your health will be good and expenses will be low. Spending a little on these items once can save a month's worth of takeout budget.
Why is it important for people of all ages?
Home-cooked meals are provided for children. It's a way for young people to save money. Reduces time and stress for working people. Health will be good for the elderly. This is not an age-old habit. It's beneficial for everyone.
Conclusion: Small grocery, big benefit
It is not necessary to halt the takeout totally. But it's important not to get utilized to it. It doesn't require a big change. Just keep the right things in the kitchen. Rice, pulses, protein, instant snacks, vegetables and spices. Here are 5 things you can do to improve your budget. When home food is easy and tasty, eating out will automatically reduce. And that's the real grocery budget hedge.
