Two meals for the price of one? Easy. When I eat at restaurants, there is usually too much food for one meal. Eat all the cooked vegetables, especially greens, some of the main dish at the restaurant and take home the rest. The next day add greens and you have a new meal.

Of course, not all meal are organized with vegetables and a main dish.

Here's an example for a Thai restaurant. Order medium size coconut milk soup and Pad Thai or pineapple fried rice at a Thai restaurant, cost about $17-20. I can only eat about 1/3 of each, so often have 3 meals. I add a side dish of greens at home for the second day. I can't make this type of food at home, so I get something special this way. Extend the Pad Thai or rice with more protein: chicken, sea food, egg or tofu.

I keep chicken breasts in the freezer. One minute in the microwave to thaw is needed. Chop as you like and brown on the stove. Mix left over Pad Thai in the same pan, and add chopped Swiss Chard or green cabbage. I love broccoli, but find it too strong for this dish. Chinese broccoli is milder in taste, but not usually available where I live and more expensive.

I don't mind eating the same thing 2 days in a row. We are incredibly privilaged in the USA to have such variety and abundance. When you know that many people eat a starch like rice, with a few additions, every day, you can just let go of being picky about food.

Another way to save eating out is to eat dinner at lunch time. The lunch menu prices are usually less than dinner. If you need a lot of food because your work is physically demanding, try one of the Chinese all-you-can eat places. They are always full in my area. You can take out from them, but the food price is by weight.