The cook with a soul wide open shows how he eats without extra spending

The economic downturn triggered by the coronavirus pandemic has forced many people around the world to tighten their belts. Against this background, it is especially important to protect your health by providing all family members with full and inexpensive food.



And how to do it told on the website Reddit American chef with the nickname Aichliss. The post garnered tens of thousands of likes and became an occasion for lively discussions. After all, the techniques described in it allow you to spend less money on food without any damage to its quality.

Some of the recommendations given here are probably already familiar to our readers. And with the list of rational purchases in case of an unexpected situation, we managed to get acquainted earlier. But the advice of an economical cook may well work. So why not try?

“Buy legumes as often as possible.” If possible, keep a stock of beans, lentils and dried chickpeas. They are cheap, almost always available and almost not subject to spoilage. Thus, provided you store them properly, the purchase will pay off 100%.”





“Legumes are some of the most versatile foods in your kitchen. If you soak them and put them in the fridge before going to bed, they will be available the next day for quick cooking. This is the best you can get given the nutrient content and the fact that they are damn delicious on their own.”



And indeed, soybeans, lentils and beans occupy some of the top spots on the list of high-protein plant foods. Try incorporating them into your daily diet. They will protect your body from diseases, help to lead a healthy lifestyle and become the key to active longevity.

Grains and cereals “Like legumes, grains and cereals are very versatile. However, I think most people know very little about them except wheat and perhaps oats.”



“Flour is an indispensable food unless you are gluten intolerant. Flour can be used to make bread, and it has many other uses as, for example, a thickener for sauces.”

“Rice is one of the most important crops in the world. It has supported entire civilizations throughout history, and it will also keep you alive. I can't think of a better food that satisfies me. Find large bags of rice and then buy two at once. They'll last a very long time. If you are just looking for a side dish or a base of fried rice, it is best to take long-grain rice, but in extreme cases, round-grain rice is also suitable.”

“But keep in mind that rice is pure carbohydrates.” It’s a good base, but you need something else (meat, fish, vegetables) or you’ll have a nutrient deficiency that will affect your well-being.



“Barley is also good, but for other reasons. It is rich in protein and iron and can help significantly improve nutrient intake at very low cost. In soups and in tandem with rice, it can make your diet more complete in times of austerity and in times of plenty.

“Avoid superfoods. Not because they are harmful to you. Prices are usually unreasonably high. In fact, most often overlooked cereals and cereals already contain large amounts of nutrients and minerals.”

Fruits and vegetables "Buy fresh onions and store in dry enclosed spaces, and buy canned and salt-free tomatoes." Use onions in almost everything, they are tasty, cheap and nutritious.”



Interestingly, we use onions almost daily in the kitchen, but, unfortunately, only 30-40%. And the most useful thing that can bring healing from many diseases, throw in the trash. We are talking about onion husk, which contains more trace elements than the onion itself.

“Find products that are abundant in the store and few people buy. In the western United States, for example, it is a brute/turnip. And in autumn, apples, corn and cabbage fall into this category. Sometimes this is due to a bountiful harvest, sometimes due to a lack of interest from buyers. Buy seasonal products and benefit from it. You will eat like a king and pay like a beggar.

“Frozen fruits and vegetables are a beautiful thing.” They contain all minerals and most vitamins. Some people will say, “You don’t have to once.” The taste changes and the consistency changes. We agree, that is why we have compiled a list of dishes for diligent and busy housewives that perfectly tolerate freezing.”



If you eat meat, buy the least processed cuts. Whole chickens, bone meat and minced meat are your best friends. Freezing meat is normal, but try not to buy ready-made frozen meat. Buy raw meat and freeze yourself to save a lot of money and get better food.



“Chicken is not just 8 servings of meat. It is also bone for broth or soup and fat, which can be used in the preparation of various dishes. As well as skin that can be fried to make delicious chips.”

Avoid "junk food" “Chips, sugar cereals, ready-made salad dressings, sweet juices and semi-finished products are not the best option if you want to get the most out of your money at the grocery store.” They are harmful to you, they are expensive compared to the cost of production, and they put a burden on your body, for which you will pay later. The exceptions are basic sauces such as good soy and fish sauce, grains and legumes, and canned vegetables.”

“And finally learn to cook. This information is much more useful if you can cook. Not knowing how to cook properly is a luxury only available to those who have the extra means to do so. Eat right and be healthy!

Well, reader, we hope you have a basic set of foods in your fridge. If not, remember to add it when you leave work. And try from all the variety of products in the supermarket to choose only the highest quality and fresh products.