Survive on RM1300 Without Feeling Hungry
Can you really survive on RM1300 a month for food in Malaysia? Yes, you can – and without starving or relying on instant noodles every day. I’ve done it for months. It’s possible with smart planning, simple meals, and a no-frills diet strategy. Here’s how I manage my food budget and stay full.
Why I Needed to Survive on RM1300
RM1300 isn’t much for a month’s worth of food, but I had no choice. Financial pressure forced me to get creative. I wanted to eat enough, stay healthy, and avoid junk food. So I trimmed away all unnecessary items – no protein powders, no snacks, no eating out. Just the essentials.
My Daily Meal Routine
I follow a 16:8 intermittent fasting routine. That means I only eat two meals a day: lunch and dinner. Skipping breakfast cuts costs and aligns with my body’s rhythm. No hunger pangs once you adjust.
Lunch (RM5–RM6):
- Economy rice: 2 veggies + 1 meat (fish or chicken)
- I avoid fried dishes or gravy-heavy sides
- Sometimes add tofu or egg for protein
Dinner (RM5–RM7):
- Another round of economy rice
- Occasionally I cook simple dishes:
- Boiled egg + stir-fried spinach
- Chicken thigh + rice
How I Budget RM1300 (Example)
| Category | Amount (RM) |
|---|---|
| Economy rice (2x/day) | 11 x 30 = 330 |
| Home-cooked groceries | ~400 |
| Weekly fruit budget | 100 |
| Basic drinks (tea, Milo) | 70 |
| Buffer (treats/emergency) | 100 |
| Total estimated | ~1000–1100 |
This leaves RM200–300 as a safety net for price increases or cheat meals.
Tips to Survive on RM1300
- Eat the same meals regularly – It removes decision fatigue and simplifies buying.
- Buy in bulk – Eggs, rice, and frozen chicken are cheaper this way.
- Cook simple dishes – No sauces or pre-mixes. Use garlic, salt, and soy sauce.
- Limit beverages – Water is free. Milo or Chinese tea is fine occasionally.
- Avoid snacking – No chips, biscuits, or sugary drinks.
- Cut waste – Finish your food. Keep leftovers for the next meal.
What I Skip Completely
- Protein shakes
- Convenience store snacks
- Coffee shops
- Processed food
- Takeaways
- Breakfast
These sacrifices keep my monthly food budget under RM1300.
Final Thoughts
To survive on RM1300, you must stay disciplined. Focus on simple, balanced meals. Skip the extras. Eat mindfully. It’s not easy at first, but it works. I feel lighter, more alert, and financially stable.
You don’t need fancy diets or supplements. Just basic food and strong commitment.
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