Eating On A Budget
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Eating On A Budget

25
Eating On A Budget

   

Almost every college student runs into money problems at some point in their college career. Spending money on food could be an area where you can find ways to save, so you can spend  more money on other fun activities or clothes! If you've got a meal plan that's just not cutting it for you, you might think about adjusting your eating and grocery shopping habits with these helpful tips!

1. Plan your meals. 

If you're running on a tight budget, and have any hope of sticking to it, you need to plan ahead. Plan what you're going to eat every week ahead of time, not on-the-spot when you're more like to impulse-buy unneeded food. One thing you could do is download and print a meal planner template. They're everywhere online and more often than not free! This is just one site that has a cute meal planner printable! : http://www.athriftymrs.com/2013/06/free-meal-plan-...


2. Eat and cook what's in season. 

On the track of planning your meals, plan them with ingredients that are in season. Don't try to buy berries in winter, when they're at their most expensive! 

Here's a link that will help you figure out what's in season and cheapest:

http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/what-fr...  


3. Buy in bulk. 

I'm not just talking about a Costco card, though that would definitely come in handy if you've got one. If you know you eat a lot of rice for example, go for the bulk containers at the grocery store. Personally, I eat a lot of quinoa, and it's much, much cheaper to buy them from the bulk bins than the tiny little boxes of pre-washed brands, which also add to the expense (on that note, pre-washed produce like spinach is often more expensive--don't be lazy! Wash it yourself and save money, it all adds up!). 


4. Use coupons and/or buy what's on sale. 

No one wants to be that person who goes to the store with a million paper coupons, but hey, if you're dedicated, desperate, or reeeally running low on funds, this could make the difference for you! Note: don't buy things you don't need or won't eat just because it's on sale. It will just sit around, take up space, go bad, and waste your money! 


5. Know what the cheapest meals are. 

Don't expect to be eating exotic homemade wonders every day if you're hurting for cash. Think about what's cheapest to eat and find ways to make it more interesting. Some examples: 

  • Oatmeal. Super cheap, easily available in bulk, easy to customize and make different every time you have it. You can make oatmeal with raisins, nuts, sugar, maple syrup, chocolate, peanut butter, or any fruit. Also, you can make oatmeal for dinner if you chose--just make with water and add vegetables and seasonings like you would rice!
  • Grains + vegetables. These are two cheap things you can combine to make numerous inexpensive meals. With a handful of basic seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, etc.) you can try many variations. Some examples of grains are white rice, brown rice, basmati rice, jasmine rice, wheat berry, or quinoa.
  • Pasta. Not exactly the healthiest option, but cheap, easy, and also something you can vary without getting too tired of.
  • Salads and sandwiches. Pretty self-explanatory, but one note: freezing your bread makes it last longer, if you are afraid you don't eat sandwiches enough before the bread goes bad!


6. Create a budget and stick to it. 

This means actually picking a number, committing to it, and tracking everything you spend. Whether that means printing out a budget planning sheet and carrying it with you or sticking it in your preexisting planner (if you have one and actually use it), or using an app on your phone or computer, make sure you deduct every dime you spend on food from this budget and keep it updated! Personally, I use Evernote, and whenever I go to the store, look at my receipts and deduct that amount from my running budget on a note that syncs with all my devices. It's easy, quick, and makes it so that I know I'm know where I'm at with my spending! 

Living cheaply in college doesn't have to be difficult. These are just a few ways in which you can save money. There are countless articles out there that help you to save money, and not just in grocery shopping, but in shopping for clothes, textbooks, makeup and much more. If you prefer to spend more money on shoes than food, you do you--but make sure you have a game plan before you hit the stores!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

932024
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

107599
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

49847
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments