Experiment #1: Navigating the Hospital’s Cafeteria

I started out the day right – scavenged the office for something to eat for breakfast (day old donut – $0) and packed a hearty sandwich that I made at my mother’s house ($0).  However, my 8-hour day unexpectedly turned into a 13-hour day, which forced me to get dinner from the cafeteria.

To start the day, I had $77 in cash in my wallet (how did that happen?), which is fair game for food money on the go.  I needed something to keep me from gnawing my hand off before I went to my favorite bar for the evening.  I ended up with a chicken raisin nut pita with pretzels and a pickle for $3.64

Overall damage: Under $4 for a not horribly artery clogging sandwich is a win in my book.

What I could have saved on: Unless I want to keep an emergency meal in my purse for unforeseeable circumstances, I don’t think I could have planned a meal for this evening.  However, I could have gotten soup from the cafeteria instead of a sandwich – only $2.  I was planning on getting the baked potato soup, but they ran out and I did not want “Lumberjack Veggie”.  Hence the splurge.

Mission Statement

I’ll admit it – I have a problem.  I have a big taste for food, but a small budget.  I want to be able to save money, but not resort to ramen noodles four times a week.  I want to vary my meals, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, sample choice cuts of meat, and still have money left over for good wine and beer (and rent, but I figured that was implied.)  I think I find myself in a situation that many college students and young adults do as well – I am not rolling in the dough, but wish I could live like I do, at least a couple times a week.

So I vow to really pay attention to what I am spending on food – including those things I “need” in order to cook and bake.  Kitchen staples, such as salt, pepper, flour, sugar, are to be included as well.  And while I will try to reduce the times I eat outside of my own kitchen, I won’t ignore the fact that some nights I really do not feel like cooking. 

I also vow to broaden my horizons in where I shop for food – find a butcher, shop in a new ethnic market, venture into Aldi’s and BJ’s.  I vow to save money and eat well!

So here goes a new gastronomic adventure…