Wise Food Choices
As a busy college student, eating healthy and living within a budget can be challenging. Sometimes, there is no time to prep a meal or due to a lack of planning results in our eating out more frequently. Although you will “eat out” occasionally, with some planning, it is possible to eat well and manage our food expenses more effectively. Below are tips to help you manage your finances and eat well during your busy days in college.
Meal Planning & Prep
- Plan Weekly Meals: Every week, create a meal plan to reduce impulsive eating out for any meal.
- Batch Cooking: Make larger portions of meals and divide them into containers for grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
Budget-Friendly Grocery Shopping
- Make a Shopping List: Stick to a list based on your meal plan to avoid impulse buys.
- Buy in Bulk: Buy grains, beans, and nuts in bulk to save money.
- Use Coupons & Apps: Take advantage of store promotions, coupons, and cash back apps.
Healthy Cooking Alternatives
- Simple Recipes: Focus on easy, healthy recipes that require minimal ingredients and time.
- One-Pan Meals: Try one-pan or sheet pan recipes for minimal cooking and easy cleanup.
- Healthy Snacks: Stock up on fruits, vegetables, nuts, and yogurt to have healthy snacks readily available.
Smart Eating Habits
- Mindful Eating: Pay attention to portion sizes and eat without distractions to help avoid overeating.
- Stay Hydrated: Sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Utilize Campus Resources
- Campus Events: Attend free food events on campus for snacks or meals.
- Cooking Classes: Look for workshops offered by BYU that teach quick and healthy cooking techniques.
Convenience Tips
- Frozen Meals: Prepare and freeze meals in advance for meals when you're too busy to cook.
- Healthy Convenience Options: Stock up on healthy frozen meals or quick-cook items (quinoa or pre-cut vegetables) for easy meal assembly.
Shifting Your Mindset
- Reframe Eating Out: Treat eating out as a special occasion rather than a default option.
- Try New Recipes: Discover new, healthier recipes that excite you and reduce the desire to eat out.