I lived on $500/month for five years going to university after I left the military. It was cheaper to eat healthier. I literally couldn't afford to eat too much junk.  Eggs, rice, beans, vegetables, chicken, and the occasional burger or steak. Cheap and easy, most stay good in the freezer or fridge. And simple dumbbells are a very cheap investment in staying healthy. I simply don't believe in the idea that you need to be rich to thin.  Considering the sheer amount of calories these buffet barges consume, it may be that they aren't as poor as they think. It's only that their food budget consumes a huge portion of their overall income.