Meal Prep, I know it sounds hard. BUT, it doesn't have to be. I'm going to give you a few ideas and helpful tips when it comes to shopping for, and choosing nutritional, budget-friendly foods!
Now when it comes to planning out a meal, budgeting will be your best friend! Set a budget, and stick to it. I know that it doesn't always come naturally to people, and that's okay. Sit down and write out how much money you have for the month and set aside some for food. Take that amount and portion it weekly so that you are able to switch it up because who wants to eat the same thing for three weeks? Not I. For me personally, being able to finance my money and stick to how much I plan on spending on food has definitely helped me cut down on things I want instead of things that I need. Like do you really need those hot Cheetos? We both know you don't. So put them down.
Shop when there are sales! Don't be ashamed to whip out some coupons, they will save you money, honey! I've learned that it is best to shop in bulk, they save you SO much money when you're on a budget. Lee Harsh gives us some great foods to buy in bulk:
1. Oatmeal
2. Olive Oil
3. Quinoa
4. Brown Rice
5. Balsamic Vinegar
6. Flour
7. Chocolate Chips
8. Maple Syrup
9. Honey
10. Whole Wheat Pasta
11. Chicken (You can buy a bunch and freeze it, they last a long time!)
All of these foods are great options, and from personal experience, quinoa is AMAZING. So try some new things, and if you don't like it at least you tried it and you know now.
When you're preparing meals, make sure that you include some protein and some vegetables in your diet. Remember to have balance, eat fresh ingredients as much as you can. It's okay to have a cheat day but eat in moderation.
(Harsh, L). (2017, August 18). Best healthy recipes for college kids (budget-friendly and meal prep). Retrieved from https://fitfoodiefinds.com/best-healthy-recipes-for-college-kids-budget-friendly-and-meal-prep/
I loved your article! I am super into meal planning especially since I came to college. I lived with 55 college students in a motel over the summer so I had to learn how to budget my grocery money while also buying the most nutritional food. I think that this is a skill that every person needs to learn. I love how you gave practical steps for a person to learn how to budget their food money. Your article was super fun and readable! Great job! I love how you included practical foods that people can buy in bulk. Having an image for your blog post was very helpful as well!
ReplyDeleteSetting a budget has saved my wallet! I love rice crispy treats but pre-made they are expensive, that is one reason I do not buy them, I make them and cut off small portions. I also replace butter with coconut oil and I use half the recommended amount of marshmallows. But I found that by purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables (coupons and shop at ALDI or Sam's Club instead of Walmart) makes me less likely to buy junk food. My family also owns a dehydrator so I can make my own dried fruit which makes a great snack but you can do that with a conventional oven set to low heat (directions are all over the internet).
ReplyDeleteGreat post
This is such a great post. I have ALWAYS wanted to meal prep, but never have because I did not know how to. These tips are awesome and I will definitely use them in the future. I have been trying to eat healthy as much as I can lately, but it is so hard with the dining hall food and fast food all around campus. I have a kitchen in my sorority house so I am able to meal prep, I always see girls doing it and ask them a ton of questions. I think starting to meal prep would save me time and money in the long run and I am definitely going to do some more research now after I read this. It cant be too hard! Good job!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I learned something after reading this post. This is something I am horrible at. I would spend so much money on food that I would have no choice but to eat at the dining halls the rest of the week until I get paid. This is something I am working on, I wouldn't say I got it all the way but I'm getting there.
ReplyDeleteKayla J. Ruiz
I tried meal planning and hated having cold food, I should have just heated it up. I agree that it saves so much money because a person can track out what they are eating. I think it also saves time, because instead of making dinner everyday, it can just be reheated from when it was made days prior. I also get weirded out about leftovers in the fridge and don't like eating things that are not completely fresh. Meal prep is super helpful though! Good post.
ReplyDelete