It can be done! Seriously.
To do that, I had to come up with a meal plan. I started by browsing Pinterest for both budget lunch ideas and meals using some of my favorite seasonal ingredients — like asparagus, pesto, and mozzarella. Once I came up with a few key staples, I built a five-day meal plan around them.
To keep my budget under $20, I cut out meat, which is often the most expensive item in my grocery cart. Instead, I stocked up on filling but inexpensive staples like pasta and canned beans.
I also aimed for healthy-ish recipes that I'd feel good about eating. And I tried to minimize cooking time, since I knew I'd be cooking or assembling my meals in the morning before work.
Then I did my food shopping.
Here's what I came home with:
1 bunch asparagus: $3.29
1 bag arugula: $1.99
1 avocado: $1.99
1 can cannellini beans: $0.89
1 lemon: $0.49
1 beefsteak Tom: $0.79
1 bag rigatoni pasta: $0.99
1 container mozzarella balls: $3.49
1 bag pita bread: $1.39
1 jar pesto: $2.49
1 red onion: $0.99
Total cost: $18.79
I also used several pantry staples, namely olive oil, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. I didn't factor these items into my grocery list because most people already have them in the kitchen.
Hannah Loewentheil/ BuzzFeed
Say hello to my week of work lunches!
Hannah Loewentheil/ BuzzFeed
via BuzzFeed/Food
