Monday, May 13, 2013

FUNKY AND FRUGAL LIVING: EATING HEALTHY AND CHEAP



Who said eating expensive was always best? Yes I know cheap in the long run does prove to be costly, but that is no reason not to try and cut down on your costs. Living out on your own, away from healthy home cooked meals done up by your mother, in this fast paced expensive life in Nairobi can really prove to be a challenge to girls trying to tame their budgets and their waists. But fear not oh wearisome travelling girl of the city. Below are a few pointers to help you keep and not take away from the hard earned shillings in your pocket all the while keeping you trim, prim and proper:

  • Turn to the ‘value for money’ supermarkets: So what they may be up and coming chain stores that may not have those niche products you want (who needs cranberry juice anyway) but boy do they stock up on fresh baked goods, wholesome meals and straight out of the tap milk (Read goodbye Nakumatt, hello Naivas), all at very pocket friendly prices. Compare and contrast if you do not believe me.
  • Embrace your local market: Somewhere around your neighborhood or its environs are those little open air stalls with fresh juicy organic greens. Way cheaper and better for you than store bought veggies and fruits.  Like the proverbial early bird, get out of bed in the morn hours; don your simplest jeans and t-shirt and head to that market for wide variety and wholesale prices for goods you can stock up in your fridge for the week.
  • Pack up some lunch:  Invest in a simple lunch box. Just because you made up the contents of your lunch box does not mean they have to be boring. Add some nuts (home fried peanuts are the best) at the side of your egg, lettuce and tomato sandwich and top it off with raisins. Doesn’t that sound more wholesome than a sizeable greasy ‘kuku sama’ quarter and fries?
  • The benefits of freezing: Stock up your own fridge. Buy one already if you don’t own a refrigerator. A good spacious affordable one ranges from Ksh.30-50,000. Save up and experience the benefits of raiding your mother’s kitchen for freezable goods when you visit, buying grains to boil, cooking up the stock able foods twice or thrice a week and filling up the fridge with ready lunches and dinners.
  • Liquify :  I could wax lyrical about the difference that water makes to your life. It works wonders on your skin. It clears up the digestive system. And most importantly (well for me), it gives a bona fide energy boost.  I Burn calories pretty fast meaning I get tired rather quick, but with my trusty water bottle by my side, I could conquer the world. If plain water does not ring your bell, flavor it up with some lemon slices. Or even make your own homemade juice and smoothies. Bottom line is to avoid sodas and all manner of caffeinated drinks.
Written by Freddy Njeri

No comments:

Post a Comment