In this week’s Uni Life Unlocked article, we will give you some tips and tricks to guide you with meal prepping. Being a student often means juggling a hectic schedule, tight budgets, and limited cooking skills. However, with the right meal planning strategies, you can eat healthily, save money, and make the most of your time.
1. Realistic Expectations
Start with realistic expectations, considering your budget, schedule, and cooking skills. Be honest about your available meal preparation time. Create a weekly meal plan by outlining your week, including classes and study hours. Allocate specific times for meals and snacks to avoid impulsive spending and takeout meals. This plan is your guide to nutritious and budget-friendly eating.
2. Where To Find Simple & Affordable Recipes
This tip relates to the previous one; as a student, you don't need to be a culinary expert. Simple and quick recipes can be just as nutritious and tasty as complex dishes. Look for easy-to-follow recipes with minimal ingredients. We would like to recommend various Instagram accounts that will help you find the perfect recipes: @budgetbytes each post has a link to the recipe and lists the cost per serving; @fitfoodiele is a great page to follow for cheap, healthy meals; @minimalistbaker mostly uses 10 ingredients or less or cook in one pot; and finally, @beatthebudget for easy recipes around 1 euro per portion.
3. Buy In Bulk & Store Smartly
Buying items in bulk can significantly reduce your grocery expenses over time. The best items to buy in bulk are coffee, olive oil, pasta, canned food, rice, cereal for breakfast. These items can cost more than double at the grocery store. On the contrary the stores that have the beast deals on bulk items are: Makro, Sligro and Hanos.
4. Make A Shopping List
A well-organized shopping list is essential for sticking to your meal plan and budget. After creating your weekly meal plan, list the ingredients you need for each meal and snack. Stick to your list when shopping and avoid impulse purchases. Shopping with a list helps you stay focused and prevents overspending.
5. Embrace Frozen & Canned Foods
Frozen fruits and vegetables, as well as canned goods, are often more affordable than fresh produce. They have the added benefit of a longer shelf life, reducing the risk of food waste. Keep a variety of frozen vegetables and fruits on hand to add to your meals. Frozen broccoli, canned beans, canned tomatoes, and tuna can also be versatile additions to your pantry. Like Mirza said in our last episode, “Thank God for the Freezer!”.
6. Cook In Batches
Cooking in batches is a time-saving and cost-effective approach. Prepare larger quantities of your favourite recipes and store them in portion-sized containers in the freezer. For example, when making fried rice, it takes you 40 minutes to cook three portions, eat one, and store two. This way, you'll always have a homemade, ready-to-eat meal available, reducing the temptation to order takeout.
7. Limit Dining Out
We know you want to live the Kardashian superstar life, but eating out can quickly drain your budget, so limit dining out to special occasions. When you do eat out, look for student discounts and take advantage of deals, such as happy hours or daily specials. Consider splitting meals with friends to save on both food and expenses.
Meal planning for students is an essential skill that can help you eat healthily and save money. By setting realistic goals, creating a weekly meal plan, and following these budget-friendly tips, you can navigate the challenges of student life with confidence. With a little effort and some smart choices, you'll be on your way to nutritious, affordable, and delicious meals throughout your academic journey.
Are you interested in more uni life tips? Then watch our first video below, and keep checking the Hub website and Insta page for our new episode of Uni Life Unlocked.
