Suzanne O’Connor’s Bargains LA

Cheap & Healthy Lunches on the Go

When I am out and about researching and I need meal deal, unless it’s a social situation, I’m looking for good quick reasonably healthy meal at a bargain.

Usually I packed a lunch, but if I haven’t, I have some favorites spots to eat well for less.  Since I always have water on me, I’ll normally don’t purchase a drink. If you look around at all the different and diverse choices we have here, you’ll realize you can eat right for less

These are some of my favorites for quick cheap eats on the go.

First :7 -Eleven.
Yep, you read it right. I go to the back of the store grab a yogurt and a banana. High in protein, calcium and potassium at about 300 calories. It feeds my brain and muscles so I can keep going for under $3.50. If I am really starving, I’ll also pick up a bag of trail mix.

Second: Subway.
I grab a 6” roast beef with lots of veggies and light mayo & mustard. A good amount of protein with veggies for a nutritious lunch (less than 500 calories) at under $5.

Third: In and Out
A basic burger here is under $4. Freshly made, it hits the spot for a long time. If I am watching my calories, I’ll get the burger without cheese and without the bun, wrapped in lettuce… ie “Protein style.”  I always skip the fries… as yummy as they are.

Fourth: Jamba Juice
I love their smoothies, especially since I can add “ Boosts” with protein, fiber, calcium, extra vitamins, anti oxidants or energy. Medium sized smoothies are usually under $6.

Fifth: Ralph’s Salad Bar around $6 a lb

Sixth: Ralph’s Sushi. $5-$10
Not at every location, but they make it right there by a trained sushi chef using good quality product.

Seventh: Tomato Pie
I hit the one in Silverlake a lot. Great, incredibly tasty thin crust pizzas that are only 90 calories a slice.  I get their special of 2 slices of pizza with a drink from $4.50-$6.50… depending upon the pizza choices.
http://www.tomatopiepizzajoint.com/Welcome.html

Eighth: El Pollo Loco – I like the 2 pieces with 2 sides (usually under $6.50) or the Chicken soft taco (under $3)… just depends on how hungry I am

Ninth: Yoshinoya – Chicken Bowl. $5-$6
Since sometimes the chicken can be overcooked, I always get extra teriyaki sauce. Reasonably good for the price.

Tenth: Costco Hot Dog
A good, old-fashioned American classic, Hebrew National hot dog and a soda for cheap… $1.50.  I don’t do it often, but I am never disappointed.

I am also rather fond of Wahoos Fish Taco and La Salsa but they are not always easy to find.

Of course there are a lot of terrific Mom and Pop ethnic food joints with great prices and quality tasty food. But, if I am out by myself, I tend to stick to places I am familiar with.

Know of some good “on the go” cheap eats, send them in, in the comments.