As students, it can be challenging to know how to have a balanced diet on a budget and not rely on cheap, convenient and not so nutritious meals such as frozen pizzas. Of course, they are perfect for days when we fancy a treat or cannot be bothered to cook as they serve as a cheaper alternative to takeaways. However, when we want to have a healthier, brain fuelling option, the easiest way is to ‘meal plan’.
More specifically, planning around three to four large meals a week, which can be frozen and quickly reheated. It is such an easy way to incorporate budget-friendly, balanced meals into your diet. One of my favourite meals to bulk cook and freeze is a lentil dhal, which can be made even cheaper by using frozen rather than fresh vegetables. Another recommendation is a Thai red curry– which is very similar to a raisukaree for any Wagamama lovers, and I often double the vegetable measurements for even more nutrition. Again, frozen vegetables and using frozen chicken breasts instead of fresh make this recipe more affordable. All in all, I would recommend stocking up on frozen vegetables at the beginning of the year to save money, and they can quickly make a meal much healthier.
Canned beans are also a personal cupboard staple. As someone trying to cut down their meat consumption, they act as a great protein alternative and make any meal more filling. Some recipes that use beans that I love in the autumn months are a bean chilli, bean fajitas and a vegetarian sausage and bean stew.
If you live with housemates, you can also share meals with them or even split a food shop between you. I did this in my second year, which meant that I did not have to cook every night, and I saved a few pennies for weekends in the pub! It also helped me stick to a shopping list rather than buying unnecessary things when food shopping. To save more in the long run, we would purchase items in bulk, such as larger pasta and rice bags. When doing this, try to check the pounds per weight price to find the best overall price.
Another idea is to do a big house meal once a week, such as a Mexican night or cheese and wine night, so you only have to buy and cook a small contribution to the meal. I did this a lot with previous housemates, and we made a night of it – whether that be listening to a different culture’s music or finding a new bottle of cheap Aldi wine (or two) to enjoy.
It is also important to remember that we should not restrict or pressure ourselves to have a perfectly healthy diet. This is where balance comes in – if we are eating relatively healthy for most of the week, there is nothing wrong with having some beers or a post-night out takeaway on the weekend. Also, if there happens to be a week where you’re really busy and end up eating more fast food, that’s okay and don’t be hard on yourself. Having backup frozen meals in the freezer from your meal prep, though, can really help you stay on track. At the end of the day, more nutritious meals when stressed often help our brain function.
So, when you do your next weekly shop, try to make a list based off of nutritious, enjoyable and satisfying meals that can be frozen as an easy way to eat healthily on a budget, and do not be afraid to indulge in a treat or two.