Kuala Lumpur, Feb 20- A plate of rice with a some vegetable and a piece of chicken or fish at eateries used to cost RM5, but now one has to pay more for the same menu.
With the cost of living on the rise, one now may have to spend up to RM10 for a decent meal and a drink.
As for city dwellers especially in major towns like Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Penang, eating out could prove to be a costly affair and often one has to look for cheaper places.
The 1Malaysia People’s Menu launched in July 2011 that offers breakfast at RM2 and lunch at RM4 is only available in limited number or eateries.
So how can one cut down on expenses at the same time enjoy a satisfying meal?
Be Creative, Bring Food From Home
Speaking to Bernama, a teacher Noor Zariah Yusof, 30, said taking home cooked food to work has been the norm for her family instead of buying food outside.
“Normally I will get up as early as 4am to prepare food for my children and husband. Apart from that, I will also start preparing the things needed to cook for the next day.
“Cooking provides greater satisfaction especially knowing that my children and husband will be eating… and that all the required nutrition carbohydrate, protein and vitamins are there,” she said.
Apart from the quality the food safety is assured, and she added that it is also a creative way to foster family bonds.
“At times I will carve a heart shape on the apple for my husband and the cartoon figures for my children. This also improves their appetite and encourages them to eat vegetables.
“I like to eat what I cook myself, for example sausages and burgers with many of my recipes coming from the Internet recipe books,” said Noor Zariah, who loves to cook.
Saves Money And Healthy
Maziah Ahmad, 28, who shared her experience said that taking home cooked food to work not only helps to save on expenses but also saves time and teaches one to be prudent.
“I take food to the office, I also prepare food for my husband. We save a lot… if not we have to spend up to RM15 eating outside, which is expensive.
“Moreover, there is only one hour lunch break and therefore going out to eat may not be the right option. Bring your own lunch, it is easier, you could still eat despite of your tight schedule,” she said.
The Penang born lady, also known as Maya, said apart from saving time, bringing your own food contributes to healthy eating habits especially for those who want to diet.
“At times we choose food according to our taste without realising how unhealthy it is, like high cholesterol content. When we bring our own food we will definitely take along with us the less oily food and add more vegetables and fruits,” she said.
No Excuse For Bachelors
The same view was expressed by media practitioner, Fairoz Azizan, 32, who said food sold outside often contain flavouring agents that in the long term could effect the health.
“By cooking own food…we know of our nutrition intake. We could also control the ingredients, like reducing salt and sugar.
“I prefer the steaming or grilling technique, that is the fastest and the easiest,” said Fairoz, who loves to share his menus with the working colleagues.
He said being single was no excuse for him for not taking home cooked food to the office and what more it is really easy.
Taking home cooked food to your work place not only helps one to cut down on spending but also in leading a healthy lifestyle.
– Bernama
