<prompt> Human: I grew up in a family that spent a lot on food and habits are difficult to break. To give you some perspective, my parents would easily spend a bit over 40k a year alone just at Costco I do have five other siblings so take that into consideration. We also shopped at numerous other places, but that was the primary. We had three refrigerators fully stocked along with two walk in pantries. My issue is that I find myself spending 1100 on groceries and eating out. I didnt realize how much I was spending until I looked at the break-down on my credit cards. I spend about 180-200 each week on groceries and the rest on fast food or take out. I usually buy things that last long so there is very little waste so mostly high quality frozen food. I work long hours so cooking is difficult when I work 12-14 hours a day as an engineer. I can support this spending, but I rather invest it or save it for a future business. Even when I bring lunch I find many times it is not enough or I crave something else so I go down to the cafeteria to buy something. Food is the only break I get. It is just waking up going to work. Come home have 3 hours to eat, wash up, relax before sleeping and repeating. I would be very happy to save even half of this. How do people with little time spend little on food and stay healthy. My diet requires high protein. My weekends are spend studying, grocery shopping, cleaning, etc.  <response>: You sound like you are just making a bunch of excuses for every ones suggestions. The easiest one to do would be buy a slow cooker. Have it slow cook your meals over night or when you are at work. Youll have left overs that should last at least another 2 meals. It literally takes minutes to put stuff in it and turn it on.You can even make breakfast casseroles that can last all week. 