College life often means juggling a LOT at once… academics, health, relationships, extracurriculars, and more. Most of us college students don’t have a lot of time to work on top of all we have going on—which means we don’t have a lot of money (being a broke college student is honestly a personality trait at this point.) That being so- we need to make sure we spend the (small) amount of money we do have mindfully.
In order to be our best selves and as happy as healthy as we can be, I truly believe what you put into your body is what you get out. College food sucks, and even if your university has decent food you’ll get tired of it… trust me. My first year of college I survived off of protein bars, frozen meals, and Celsius. I didn’t gain the “Freshman 15” I actually lost it. I was unhealthy and malnourished, constantly sick, and felt terrible. I’m speaking from experience and providing these tips so you don’t have to learn the hard way. Even though being healthy comes with it costs.. it comes with even more benefits. Eating well while managing expenses can be a challenge, but with some strategic meal prepping and grocery shopping it’s entirely possible to maintain a healthy diet without breaking the bank.
Keep reading for the best meal prepping and grocery shopping tips coming from a college student.
The first thing to begin with, is planning out your meals for the week. Planning your meals will help prevent impulse spending when going to the grocery store. Plan out each meal, and write a grocery list of every ingredient for said meal. Only buy the things you need and focus on simple, nutritious meals that use similar ingredients to get the ultimate return on investment. For example, when purchasing spinach… you can use it for your salads, smoothies, and/or add to a stir fry for dinner. Remember to keep all the food groups in mind, and increase your protein intake! I noticed once I started incorporating more protein into my diet, I felt full for longer and my health improved majorly. Plus, if you are moving your body a lot throughout the day (walking from class to class) you will burn calories faster and proteins will help make up for it.
Stick to a list when grocery shopping…this will help you avoid any unnecessary purchases. Lists help you to stay focused, only get what you need, and prevent the temptation of buying non-essential items. As odd as this may sound… eat before you shop! Many studies have shown that those who are hungry when they grocery shop are more likely to purchase things they don’t need, purely out of hunger.
Meal Prep each week! Meal prepping involves preparing large quantities of food at once and portioning it out for the week. Cook grains, proteins, and vegetables in bulk then mix and match them throughout each meal. Store your pre-cooked ingredients in a container and store them in the fridge or freezer so you can quickly warm them up, add them to your pre-planned meal for the day, and voila! You have an easy, quick, and healthy meal.. way better than the dining hall!
If possible, buy non-perishable items in bulk. Staples like rice, oats, and pasta are usually cheaper when bought in larger quantities. Only do this if you have the space for it!
Although it may not be ideal… purchase generic brands for some items. Generic or store brands are often just as good as name brands but they cost significantly less. Compare prices and opt for the cheaper version of pantry staples, cleaning supplies, and some dairy products.
Take advantage of coupons, discounts, and student deals and don’t completely ignore the food pantry! Many college campuses have food pantries, which have many pantry-staples, cleaning supplies, and more for completely free!
Avoid pre-packaged or convenience foods might seem but they’re often more expensive and less nutritious than homemade options. Cooking meals from scratch not only helps you save money, but also allows you to control the ingredients and portions.
Consider subscriptions such as HelloFresh and Factor. Many of these subscription services provide all of the ingredients you need, with the meals already planned out and proportioned for your needs, delivered right to your doorstep (or the post-office on your college campus) If you have a full schedule, don’t know how to cook, or don’t really know where to begin, these options are perfect! I would highly take advantage of these opportunities and look to see if they fit your needs.
By planning your meals, making smart grocery shopping choices, and meal prepping, you can enjoy healthy well-balanced meals without breaking the bank. With these strategies, you’ll be able to navigate your schedule and finances more effectively while maintaining a healthy diet and being the healthiest, happiest version of yourself! Your brain and body will thank you.
The content provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or professional advice. All information and opinions expressed are based on general knowledge and research. The author does not claim ownership of any content or ideas presented and does not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions.
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