Ten ways to eat clean on a budget: College edition
We completely get the hustle and bustle of college lifestyles, and it makes eating healthy seem nearly impossible! But guess what? Eating clean doesn’t have to break the bank or require you to be a master chef. In this post, we’re going to spill the beans (pun intended) on how to make delicious, healthy, and budget-friendly meals that makes your life easy
Meal Planning is Your Best friend: We mean meal planning is your best friend literally. It is the foundation to staying on budget and eating clean in college. It’s like your academic schedule but for your kitchen. Take a few minutes each week to plan your meals, Tik Tok is our favorite recommendation when it comes tp make a shopping list, and stick to it. This helps you avoid those impulse buys and ensures you have everything you need on hand.
Buy in Bulk: Bulk bins are your new best friends. Buying staples like rice, pasta, beans, and oats in bulk is often much cheaper than getting pre-packaged versions. Plus, you can buy just the amount you need, reducing food waste.
Get Creative with Rice and Pasta: Rice and pasta are college student essentials. But instead of the same old, same old, why not jazz them up? Rice and pasta can be made into so many types of delicious recipes! Make a big batch of rice or pasta and mix it with whatever veggies, proteins, and sauces you have on hand. BOOM. You’ve got a quick stir-fry or pasta salad that’s way more exciting than plain old boiled noodles.
Master the Art of One-Pot Meals: I am a crock pot, one pot, type of girl. Mostly because I hate doing dishes and don’t have time to spend an hour on one meal. Throw your ingredients into a single pan or crockpot, simmer away, and you’ve got yourself a delicious meal with minimal cleanup. Try making chili, it’s one of my personal faves!
DIY Snacks and Convenience Foods: If you’re anything like me, you’re guilty of skipping the snack aisle in the grocery store and spend excess money at vending machines or gas stations. Ditch wasting money, whip up your own snacks and convenience foods. Think homemade granola bars, energy bites, and even your own microwave popcorn (way cheaper and healthier than the pre-packaged stuff).
Embrace Frozen Veggies: Don’t hate on frozen! Fresh veggies are great, but they can be expensive and spoil quickly. Frozen veggies, on the other hand, are budget-friendly and last way longer. You can easily toss them into stir-fries, omelets, or pasta dishes for a veggie boost.
Shop Smart and Hunt for Deals: Don’t forget to keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and coupons. Many grocery stores offer student discounts (Martin’s!), and some even have specific deals for certain days or times. Joining a loyalty program can also save you some bucks in the long run. Food Lion has great sales and The Walmart Neighborhood Marker has low prices.
Cook in Batches: Cooking in batches is a game-changer. Spend a Sunday afternoon preparing a big batch of your favorite meals, and you’ll have lunches and dinners for the week. It saves you time, money, and the temptation to order takeout.
Swap Meat for Plant-Based Proteins: Meat can be pricey, but there are plenty of affordable plant-based protein options out there. Beans, lentils, tofu, and chickpeas are not only budget-friendly but also versatile. You can use them in everything from soups to sandwiches.
Don’t Skip Breakfast: They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s also a meal where you can save money. Oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit are all budget-friendly options that can keep you full and focused throughout those early morning classes.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Eating well on a budget in college is all about being resourceful, planning ahead, and getting creative in the kitchen. Remember, it’s not just about saving money; it’s about nourishing your body so you can conquer those exams and seize all the opportunities college has to offer. So, let’s raise a toast (with tap water, of course) to healthy, easy, and budget-friendly meals in college!