The ill effects of the recent recession can be felt throughout the world and consequently, people are increasingly turning to brown bagging their lunch to save money. Think about it. It makes sense. It’s rational — it’s healthier and it’s cheaper.

Now, there used to be a time when I went out each and every day for lunch when I started work. Food around my work area would cost at least $7 and could go up to about $17. That’s monthly spending of roughly $140-$350 just on lunch alone! Even spending as little as $5 per day for lunch would mean monthly spending of $100. Put it in perspective. That’s quite a hefty amount and that’s not even counting your morning and afternoon coffee and muffin breaks.

I’m an avid bodybuilder and like many others in the gym, I try to watch what I eat. That’s not to say I don’t indulge in comfort foods like chicken wings, brownies, or cake once in a while but I try to watch my portions and cut out sugar and fat whenever I can. In fact, I’ve completely substituted my normal Pepsi or Coke with its diet equivalent. It’s an acquired taste, I always say.

So, here’s a simple lunch idea that’s high in protein, low in fat, cheap, and super easy to prepare. It takes less than ten minutes of your time to prepare at night or even the morning of.

The Money Monkey’s Super Simple Tuna Salad Sandwich

Basic Ingredients

• One whole can of chunk light tuna (not flaked) @ $0.75 per can
• Two cups of light mayonnaise @ $2.99 per jar
• Two teaspoons of relish @ $1.50 per jar
• Four slices of whole wheat bread @ $1.89 per loaf
• Splenda sweetener, or sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Open can of tuna and make sure to drain the water out
2. Once water is drained, mix all ingredients in a bowl
3. Add a pack of Splenda or sugar, and salt and pepper to taste
4. Spread tuna salad mix on bread, and pack

It can’t get any simpler than that. If you get tired of the same old taste day in and day out, try substituting the tuna with hardboiled eggs for a good egg salad sandwich. Also, don’t be scared to play around with the ingredients. Add some lettuce, sliced tomatoes, or onions for color and texture. I also found out that adding sliced apples in the mix adds a good amount of sweetness and crisp.

So there you go. Tuna salad sandwiches are cheap, gym-approved, and an easy way to save money and your gut. Make your body and your bank account happy! You’ve got no excuses.