Homepage/Articles/How to Cook Healthy Meals While On a Budget in College
How to Cook Healthy Meals While On a Budget in College
How to Cook Healthy Meals While On a Budget in College
How to Cook Healthy Meals While On a Budget in College
College is a time in your life when many things are changing. While change can be scary, it doesnt have to be! If youre heading off to college and want a fresh start on all things, including your diet, then we have you covered. Throughout this article, well discuss money-saving tips and tricks that can turn your everyday meals into nutritious masterpieces, all while staying within your budget. Continue reading to get started!
Cook More at Home
The key to eating healthier? Cook your meals yourself. When you cook at home, youre in control of all the ingredients. This means that you can make sure your meals are free of preservatives, artificial ingredients and processed sugars. Cooking at home is also a great way to save money since you can choose healthy foods that fall within your budget. Frequently at restaurants, a plate is priced two to three times what it would be to make at home. If you make eating out a habit, youll likely end up spending much more. If youre not sure how to start cooking healthier, here are five healthy cooking styles and methods to get you started.
Create a Plan
Creating a meal plan before heading to the grocery store is the key to a successful, budget-friendly shopping experience. Whether your plan includes a detailed menu or bulleted shopping list, knowing what to look for at the grocery store will keep you on track and away from impulse purchases. A plan can also help you choose recipes centered around the same ingredients so that you can spend less and cook more!
Load Your Meals With Fruits and Veggies
Lets be honest with ourselves. Most of us are not consuming the recommended daily amount of fruit and veggies, and if we are, its often disguised in a sugary treat. To make sure youre getting enough nutrients and stretching your dollar to the max, fill your meals with fruits and vegetables. Not sure where to start? Use sweet fruits to whip up a smoothie, add veggies to your favorite omelette recipe or test out veggie noodles by spiralizing a zucchini for dinner and pairing it with your favorite pasta sauce. Because produce is often much cheaper than other foods, filling your plate with produce is a great way to stick to your college budget.
Eat More Whole Grains
If you want to change your eating habits, make sure you are choosing whole grains over refined grains. Affordable whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and bulgur are loaded with fiber and essential nutrients to keep you fueled and filled until your next meal. Incorporating more whole grain foods into your college diet will help you stay focused during class and study sessions. Try a whole grain dish like this BBQ Quinoa Salad, or opt for a light appetizer like this Tabbouleh.
Cook With More Flavor
Some of the healthiest diets are those that incorporate a wide range of herbs and spices. Not only do these spices contain essential antioxidants, but they also work to flavor your food without the need of extra additives like sugar, salt and butter. If youre searching for dishes with more flavors, we encourage you to think globally. Chinese, Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines are known for their nutritious meals that include a wide array of flavors and textures. Indulging in plates like this Mediterranean Eggplant & Freekeh Salad with Honey Tahini Sauce is a perfect way to spice up your menu without breaking your budget.
Manage Portion Size
Keeping an eye on your portion sizes is an excellent way to stick to a healthy diet and remain on-budget throughout the month. Sometimes our eyes are larger than our stomachs, and while a big dinner, a few appetizers, and a dessert might sound tempting, its simply too much food. Loading up your plate can lead to overeating or food waste, both of which can quickly derail a healthy college meal plan. Keeping your portions under control and only making what you need will ensure that your health thrives. For the times when you make a bit more food than expected, we encourage you to save the leftovers for later in the week! Doing so will ensure that your food and money doesnt go to waste.Remember, college should be fun, not stressful! We understand that these years of education are crucial, which is why its so important to make sure youre fueling yourself with good-for-you food that will keep your brain and body running as it should. Whether youre trying to refresh your diet or your savings, these tips are bound to help you reach your goal. From everyone at Bobs Red Mill, have a healthy and happy day!