Simple food hacks .. eat good, eat well, try it all

Early on when I left school I realized if I was going to spend my hard earned money on food I should buy things that were good for me.  The thing was I didn't really like to cook and it was just me.  My meals usually consisted of rice, frozen veggies, and a protein like shrimp, chicken, or steak.

Obviously life changed and I got married had kids and lets just say my diet changed.  My wife and I don't eat out much, but when we do we like to try new things.

We are not much of deal seekers and what we do is simple.  We share. If something looks really good we order one main course and one appetizer.  Or if the menu looks really good we order 3 appetizers and use it like our own little sampler.  Appetizers are usually half as much as a main dishes and usually are great to share.

When we are on vacation eating out is a huge expense for us.  What we do to reduce this expense is hit the local store when we arrive buy food for lunches and breakfast.  That way we can pack lunches and don't have to stop the fun to find a restaurant.  This is great to due when you go on hikes or new places.  Plus breakfast food is so cheap and restaurants usually charge 10x the actual cost of the good. It is a no brainier to just have a cup of yogurt.

Cooking in bulk with the Instant Pot and Air Fryer really helps reduce the cost of meals.  I am trying to make it a goal that we spend $2 a meal per person. We are currently around $2.8 per a meal.
I know some people don't like leftovers.  That I don't get. If you are one of those people you need to work on making better meals😁. My wife makes amazing meals that I want to have everyday.

Ways to inspire yourself and keep a skinny waist are to use cookbooks like Cook Yourself Thin.  I love these cookbooks.  Amazingly simple meals and a great way to get bonus points with the spouse by making them a gourmet meal.

Bon Appetit