As students, there is very little time to spare when it comes to meal preparation. But when you consider the benefits of eating home made meals, you will realize that it's sure worth the time invested.
Cooking doesn't have to take hours and it certainly doesn't cost as much as eating out. Consider it as a study break or a relaxing activity when you get home.
Here are a few cooking tips making nutritious and delicious meals on a budget.
You can also submit your favorite, easy-to-prepare and nutritious recipes to our nutritionist, Mary Dye, MPH, RD, CDN to share with other students. The most nutritious recipe will be selected and posted in the Recipes of the month section.
Smart cooking tips
- Keep basic essentials like whole wheat pasta, low sodium vegetable stock, brown rice and canned tomatoes in your cupboard. You can easily make a meal with them.
- Buy frozen vegetables and put together a quick stir fry with some tofu or meat and a sauce in no time.
- Stock up on canned beans for easy-to-make bean salads or chili.
- Consider making bigger portions and freeze some for when you don't have time to cook.
- Boil a dozen eggs for ten minutes and have them as the protein in your breakfast or your meals.
- Boil a whole chicken with onion, herbs and spices, keep the chicken meat for your sandwiches, salads or stir fry for the week and keep the broth for your soups.
- Buy bulk: Get your roommates to chip in and buy big bags of rice or pasta and share it with your suite mates.
- Shop around: Compare prices. Supermarket's own products are just as good as the name brands.
- Set aside cooking time in your schedule to prepare a few meals and snacks for the week. This will save you time and lots of money during the week.
- Cook together and eat together, this is a great way to bond with your new friends.