Healthy eating on a student budget may sound impossible but, with some imagination and preparation it can be done. An ample supply of simple student recipes that are healthy as well as relatively inexpensive to make!
Breakfast: Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a breakfast that saves money and time. Mix rolled oats into a mason jar/container with milk/yogurt of choice. Add 1 tbsp of chia seeds for greater fiber, then top it with bananas, berries. Leave in the fridge overnight and eat up each morning; Entice your palate with nuts or honey.
Lunch: Chickpea and Veggie Stir-Fry
Chickpeas are a cheap source of protein. For a fast lunch, roast onions, bell peppers, and broccoli in pan with olive oil. You will also be adding 1 can of drained chickpeas, soy sauce, garlic and a bit of ginger. Serve over brown rice or quinoa. This dish is hearty, healthy, and inexpensive.
Snack: Apple and Peanut Butter
Slice an apple, and have it with a scoop of peanut butter for a healthy snack. This provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats to keep energy levels steady throughout the day.
Dinner: Pasta Primavera
For a veggie-packed dinner, pasta primavera is always a winner. Here’s how to make it: Prepare whole grain pasta. In another pan, heat olive oil and sauté any veggies of your choice like zucchini, cherry tomatoes and spinach. Combine the pasta with the veggies and top with parmesan! Herbs like basil are also good but you can also experiment with dried herbs, eg oregano.
Budget-Friendly Chili
Chili: Chili is a rich, filling dish that makes for easy on-budget batch cooking. In a dutch oven, sauté onion and garlic then after onions are softened, mix in the ground turkey (or can of black beans for vegetarian). Add in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn and chili powder. Simmer to meld flavors together. This is a hearty, wholesome recipe that can last for multiple meals.
Vegetable Soup
Hot veggie soup is very healthy and super cheap. You’re going to combine vegetable broth and chopped carrots, potatoes and any other veggies you have! Stir in canned tomatoes and herbs such as thyme, bay leaves. Cook until the veggies are tender. Perfect for a cold day to warm up, you can easily make it in large batches!
Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
A filling and high-protein meal which is also super cheap and quick to prepare – quinoa and black bean salad. Quinoa, cooked according to the packages instructions Combine the quinoa with a can of drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Dressing:Combine lime juice and olive oil together. Everything is fresh and satisfying with the added bonus of being presented as a main course salad but also great for side dishes.
Sweet Potato and Egg Scramble
Sweet potatoes and eggs are cheap staples. Chop a sweet potato, baste it in oil and bake it until soft. Pour in the eggs and scramble until done. Add salt and pepper, along with a pinch of cumin. An excellent option for a filling breakfast or lunch this dish is full of nutrients.
Scrambled Eggs: 1 hr to make, egg preparation
If needing a simple dessert, have some plain yogurt topped with few drops of honey and handful of almonds. A delicious yet healthy dessert, this combination is a sweet way to finish a meal without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Healthy eating as a student does not have to be costly or difficult. With these recipes, low-budget meals that are quick and perfect for your wallet. With meal planning and multi-purpose ingredients in this way, you will stay balanced and focus on what is really important to you right now: your studies & well-being. Have fun with these dishes and be free yet delicious in your healthy eating journey on a budget!
