I basically live my life on a budget; I have found that having a budget is necessary no matter how much money you make because the play out most of the time is obvious. You make more, you will spend more which doesn't really save you money in the long run unless you have a budget and save. Every day I have many one on one talks with myself on how to cut back and make more. For me it's not so much of just money but skills and progress, but no matter how hard I try, the conversation will turn about money in the end.

One way that I push myself to live a healthy lifestyle is that I cut back on cost, each budget has a category and this one is food cost. I strive to cook at home and pack snacks however at times I am in the position when that isn't an option, so grabbing something on the go is a must. In doing this I am with two questions to answer, what is healthy and in budget. I don't do this as often as I try, as I often stir away from it, but I have come up with some great ways to fulfill that request.

Juicy Leaf:

I like to stop into juicy leaf early, when I am starting to run my errands as I know I can get a boost of energy from any of their juices. With juicing you won't feel bad about missing breakfast as all those nutrients could be received in just one juice. The juices run from $4-6 dollars and I usually grab a juice and a boost/shot which are typically $2.

Panera:

Before my healthy lifestyle I loved Panera, I would go in three times a week for either a bagel or soup and even though I don't go as often now, I still have the same feelings towards it. When I go in nowadays, it won't be for a bagel as there is too much sugar or sodium in the two I prefer... and getting a plain boring bagel is not an option. Not at Panera. I will however get a bowl of soup and an apple. I am able to save here as the bowls are pretty deep and filling. I always get lemon water, and Panera gives regular sized cups if you just ask. The good thing here is I can't eat and entire bowl so, I eat enough and then ask for a to-go cup and have some for later. This usually cost around 5.50.

Gas station Fruit:

Ridicule me for this, judge me however you like, know that I question myself sometimes as well, but I grab a banana any way. Sometimes I am in a complete rush and nowhere near a market and I am starving. In order to cure my hunger and have a healthy snack I grab a few bananas from the gas station if they have them. Along with that I'll grab some peanuts and that will usually hold me over until I can get a real meal. In my defense, in case you’re frowning your face, it is no different from drinking gas station coffee. This cost $2-$4.

Olive Garden:

This is almost a ritual for a friend and me. We will go to Olive Garden a few times out the year for unlimited soup, salad and bread sticks. Let me tell you, I don't hold back on the bread, it is not necessary here, we only go to Olive Garden to enjoy ourselves and not hold back. I absolutely love their caesar salads and generally I will eat most of the salad and only have room for about one and a half bowl of soup ( they give smaller portions than Panera as it is unlimited). What we like to do though is before we finish our last bowl, we ask the waiter if it is fine if we can get some to go soups and they typically say yes. Well actually, they have never said no but they will tell us in on the secret to getting them. Okay, it's not their secret, it's ours and here's what you do: you order two more soups of the kind you like the most, you don't eat them, then you ask for to-go boxes. Being you can try as many soups as you please, there is no foul play here and because you "planned to eat them" but you were too "full," therefore, it is perfectly fine to get some to-go boxes. Also ask for bread midway and save that for when you check out and they will give you a to-go pouch as well. Here we all win more food for later and no food waste for them or the economy. $6-$8.

The Den:

Yes The Campus Den, on days I forget my lunch for work I stop by the den. The one thing I love to get at the den is a half salad as it is very filling. My first time trying a sandwich from the den was in college and I was shocked, like super surprised that a deli sandwich from a liquor store could taste so good, I mean I did build it myself so I know the flavors I like but I was thrown back at how fresh it tasted and how I never can make sandwiches like this at home. So what's the secret I asked... Mackenzie’s bread, I didn't ask where they get the deli from, but I'm sure it's local. Good bread makes all the difference and they have it delivered fresh every morning. Their salads are just my all the time go to because I am able to build the perfect salad every time and what is considered a half to them, is whole to me and fills me up every time. I am never disappointed when I order a den salad; you have to check it out. Food at The Den runs me around $5.

Nina's Cafe:

I love this place, reminds me of a local diner back home and I frequently will grab a cup of grits from Nina's as they are superb. While Nina's menu is priced fairly, the way to save here is through Groupon. Using the Groupon app you can almost always find a Nina's coupon for a pay $12 get $24 dollars’ worth of food. I usually do this with friends and almost often we are able to get two meals a piece. I typically get grits, toast and hash browns as a meal and get a shrimp salad to go. This is such an awesome bargain because you really are forced to get your money's worth as the menu is fairly priced.

These places help me out when I am in a crunch for time, unable to get home and cook or just too tired to cook and I generally stick to them as they save me money and time. My biggest reason for sticking to these places is because they never disappoint me and that is very important when choosing where I want to eat. Nothing's worse than to be left with the thought of " should have just cooked some sh*t and saved myself time and money"