How to save when eating on the go

As a professional actress, I’ve spent months at a time out on the road, touring with musicals and generally living the gypsy artist’s life. While the idea of discovering a new city every day might sound glamorous, the reality can prove mundane, especially on a restricted budget with painfully limited food offerings in much of the country.

To keep myself healthy enough to fit into my costumes each night without blowing through my entire per diem on dining each day, I had to get creative. Through trial and error I developed a system that allowed me to eat on the go while staying healthy, physically and fiscally. While you may not have to contend with the challenge of long months of continuous on-the-go eating, having budget and belly-friendly strategies for to-go meals can prove helpful in everyday city life, too.

Pack up your essentials. If you’re planning an extended stay, consider traveling with some of your non-perishable food staples. I always take granola bars or trail mix when traveling abroad, for example. I also pack my peanut butter religiously, whether I’m going away for the weekend or for a full month of touring. Having a snack or breakfast from home on hand saves me a ton on little bites like overpriced muffins and packs of pretzels at cafes and stands with a huge price mark up.

Make double meals. It’s no secret that restaurant portions are often far larger than a single serving size. Practice some portion control and save some money by making dishes last for two meals. If you have trouble with self-control when it comes to food, opt for splitting with a friend instead, or ask the restaurant to bring out half of your dish and package the other half in a to-go box before it’s even served. If you can implement this strategy during a lunch special, you’ll secure even greater savings.

Utilize your resources. When you’re starting to feel that familiar rumble of hunger in your belly in an unfamiliar location, it’s tempting to run to the first lit up sign you see. I made the mistake of doing that at the airport in Iceland once and wound up paying $17 for a piece of lasagna!

Avoid the impulse to fill up without considering cost or calories. Two minutes of research and inquiry can greatly expand your options. You can check the GPS on your phone, input your location on Yelp or ask a local. You may find you’re only three blocks from a natural market or cheap and delicious local haunt. The prepared foods section or deli of the local grocery store might also have some budget-friendly to-go options.

Visit local grocery stores. Speaking of grocery stores, remember that grocery shopping doesn’t have to be limited to home. I can make several meals out of a pack of frozen veggie burgers, a few slices of cheese and a bag of peppers for a fraction of the price (and calories) of the fast food joint next to my hotel. Having a few go-to microwave and mini-fridge friendly options is a great savings strategy. Just be sure to stay on top of your sodium levels!

Use coupons. Local coupon apps like Groupon, Living Social and Amazon Local are an easy way to see what dining options are available near you while scoring savings. These sites host a ton of deals from small businesses, so you can get away from the Applebee’s and the Denny’s for a change, and support the locals while cashing in on your deal.

Skip the drinks. Sodas can add $3 to a restaurant tab and alcoholic beverages, significantly more, especially when tax and tip are factored in. Stick to water while you’re out and about and save the indulgent drinks for later. You can get an entire bottle of wine at the grocery store for the cost of one glass in a restaurant.

If you really want to get a taste of the local watering holes, opt for happy hour hot spots. Bonus points if you can find a place that has a happy hour on food as well as drinks! With a little planning and research, food consumed on the go can be just as healthy for you and your finances as a home-cooked meal.

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How to Save When Eating on the Go originally appeared on usnews.com

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