Healthy Meal Prep for College Students

Healthy Eating on a Budget

It's no secret that healthy eating can take a toll on the wallet. Eating healthy is associated with higher prices, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to eat healthy while in college. College students can still eat nutritious meals without breaking the bank. Meal prepping is a great way to save money and time, while ensuring you have healthy meals ready to go during the week.

Getting Started with Meal Prepping

The first step to getting started with meal prepping is to create a grocery list. Before going to the store, take a look at your pantry and refrigerator to see what ingredients you already have. Make a list of these ingredients and what else you need to buy. Take a look at the weekly sales flyer to see what is on sale and use coupons when available. By being strategic and organized with your grocery shopping, you can save money while still stocking up on fresh ingredients.

Planning Your Meals

Once you have all your ingredients, the next step is to plan out your meals. Planning ahead of time will help save you time and energy during the week. Decide what meals you will have for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks and create a schedule for the week. Try to meal plan for a few weeks at a time, so you can bulk shop and save time at the store. When creating your meals, try to incorporate a variety of foods from each food group to ensure you are getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Preparing Your Meals

Now that you have your meals planned and your ingredients in hand, the next step is to prep your meals. Preparing meals in advance will save you time and energy during the week. To make meal prepping go faster, try to double up on recipes. For example, if you are making a stew for dinner, try to make a double batch. This way you can enjoy the stew for dinner and have leftovers for lunch the next day.

Storing Your Meals

Once your meals are prepped, it’s time to store them. Investing in the right containers is key. Look for containers that are airtight and are made of BPA-free materials. This will help keep your food fresh and free of any toxins. It’s also important to label your containers with the name of the meal and the date it was made. This will help you keep track of when your meals need to be eaten.

Eating Well as a College Student

Eating well as a college student doesn’t have to be hard. Meal prepping is a great way to save time and money while ensuring you are eating healthy. It’s important to plan ahead, create a grocery list, and have the right containers for storing food. With a bit of planning and organization, you can have nutritious meals ready to go all week long.