She Strengthens

Embracing the London Lifestyle on a Budget

When I first made the move to London, I was bombarded with warnings about the high cost of living. “It’s expensive,” “it’s soulless,” and “only bankers can afford to live there” were just a few of the phrases echoing in my mind. But I’m a glass-half-full kind of person, and I was determined to make the most of my new city.

Finding Joy in the Little Things

One of the things I love most about London is its vibrant cultural scene. From old, smoky Edwardian buildings to industrial steel train tracks, museums, and live music in every pub, there’s always something to explore. And the comedy scene? Absolutely fantastic. Londoners aren’t afraid to poke fun at themselves, and the city’s high cost of living is often the punchline.

The High Cost of Convenience

But let’s face it: London can be expensive. The fast pace of the business and financial world can leave you feeling drained, and it’s easy to get sucked into the cycle of burning through your hard-earned cash on pricey cocktails and lavish nights out. And then there’s the pressure to keep up appearances, whipping out your bank card every five minutes to buy rounds of drinks and hail taxis.

Prioritizing What Matters

So, I sat down and made a list of what I consider essential for a good life. It boils down to a few simple things: a nice place to live, healthy food, stand-up comedy, daily walks, supportive friends, writing, therapy, and a healthy relationship with my family.

The Experiment

To see if I could really make ends meet in London, I challenged myself to live on a grocery budget of £18 per week. I kept track of every receipt and meal, and the results were surprising. Here’s a breakdown of what I bought and cooked each week:

Week 1: The Basics

• Aldi Bran flakes: 85p
• Broccoli: 55p
• Kale: 55p
• Garlic: 62p
• Cheddar: £1.59
• Spaghetti: 39p
• English breakfast tea: 79p
• Whole nut peanut butter: £1.09
• Full fat cream cheese: 49p
• Raspberry jam: 85p
• 4 pints of whole milk: £1.09
• Butchers sausages: £1.29
• Streaky bacon: £1.39
• Ethiopian ground coffee: £2
• Bag of potatoes: 65p
• Marks and Spencer 5 sesame seed bagels: £1.60
• Farmers market 1kg of pears: £1.80

Total: £17.59

Week 2: Adding Protein and Iron

• Lamb mince (on sale): £2
• Squeezy honey: £1.29
• Greek yogurt: 68p
• Frozen raspberries: £1.49
• Frozen blueberries: £1.59
• Tomato puree: 39p
• Chopped tomatoes: 29p
• 2 kgs of unwashed spinach: £1
• Porridge oats: 75p
• Crumpets: 39p
• Butter: £1.49
• Fresh whole milk: £1.09
• 1kg of carrots: 59p
• Broccoli x2: 55p
• Streaky bacon: £1.39
• Four baking potatoes: 65p
• Baked beans x2: 30p
• Spaghetti: 39p
• Five bananas: 79p
• Bagels: 69p

Total: £17.80

Week 3: Treats and Indulgences

• Aldi Ethiopian coffee: £1.99
• Beef medallion steaks: £2.85
• Baking potatoes: 65p
• Sweet potatoes: 95p
• Dark chocolate digestive biscuits: 49p
• Unwashed spinach: £1
• Whole milk: £1.09
• Cream cheese: 49p
• Mozzarella: 49p
• 12 eggs: £1.49
• 5 bananas: 79p
• Lebanese supermarket 6 tomatoes on the vine: £2
• Arabic flat bread: £1.40

Total: £15.68

Week 4: Feeding My Sister

• Ground coffee: £1.99 x2
• Bran flakes: 85p
• Spaghetti: 39p
• Whole nut peanut butter: £1.09
• Greek yogurt: 68p
• Dark chocolate digestives: 49p
• Cinnamon: 49p
• Turmeric: 49p
• Bagels: 69p
• Crumpets: 35p
• Courgettes: £1.15
• Spinach and Ricotta ravioli: 65p x2
• Thin cut beef steaks: £1.45
• Bacon: £1.35
• 1 kg of carrots: 59p
• Broccoli: 48p x2
• Whole milk: £1.09
• Sweet potatoes 95p
• Garlic and herb cream cheese: 55p
• Avocados: £1.55 x2
• Baby leaf spinach: 85p
• Kale: 56p x2
• Five bananas: 79p
• Mixed apples: 65p
• Mixed pears: 65p
• Mini oranges: 86p

Total: £26.91

Average per week: £19.49

The Verdict

This experiment has been a game-changer for me. I’ve learned that with a little planning and creativity, it’s possible to eat well in London without breaking the bank. And the best part? I’ve actually gained weight – a whole 4 pounds! – which is a welcome change after the stress of moving to a new city. I’ll be sticking to this diet, making sure to include dense red meat, green leafy veggies, protein, soft fruit, and the occasional cheeky snack with my cup of tea in the evening. Who knew that living in London on a budget could be so delicious?