30 Easy and Healthy Recipes for Students on a Tight Budget Tables

As a student, eating healthy can be a challenge. With limited time and money, it’s tempting to opt for unhealthy convenience foods. But there are plenty of easy and affordable ways to eat healthy in college. Here are 30 recipes that will help you stay fueled and focused throughout the semester.

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Breakfast

Overnight Oats

Ingredients: 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup milk or yogurt, 1/4 cup fruit (such as berries, bananas, or apples), 1 tablespoon nuts or seeds
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a jar or container and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, enjoy your cold, creamy oats.

Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Tomatoes

Ingredients: 2 eggs, 1/2 cup spinach, 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes, 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste
Directions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the eggs and cook until scrambled. Add the spinach and tomatoes and cook until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.

Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients: 1 cup yogurt, 1/2 cup fruit (such as berries, bananas, or granola), 1/4 cup nuts or seeds
Directions: Layer yogurt, fruit, and nuts or seeds in a parfait glass or jar. Repeat layers until the glass is full. Enjoy!

Lunch

Tuna Salad Sandwich

Ingredients: 1 can (5 ounces) tuna, drained, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup chopped celery, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 2 slices whole-wheat bread
Directions: Combine tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and onion in a bowl. Spread the mixture on one slice of bread and top with the other slice. Enjoy!

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients: 2 slices whole-wheat bread, 1 slice cheese, 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
Directions: Spread butter or margarine on one side of each slice of bread. Place the cheese on one slice of bread and top with the other slice. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.

PB&J Sandwich

Ingredients: 2 slices whole-wheat bread, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 tablespoon jelly
Directions: Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread and jelly on the other slice. Put the slices together and enjoy!

Dinner

Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce

Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti, 1 jar (28 ounces) tomato sauce, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste
Directions: Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot. Add tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese and stir until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chicken Stir-Fry

Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup chopped vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and peppers), 1/2 cup stir-fry sauce
Directions: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Add vegetables and stir-fry until softened. Add stir-fry sauce and cook until heated through.

Lentil Soup

Ingredients: 1 cup lentils, 1 onion, chopped, 2 carrots, chopped, 2 celery stalks, chopped, 6 cups vegetable broth, 1 bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste
Directions: Rinse lentils and sort through to remove any debris. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened. Add lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until lentils are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Snacks

Fruit

Fruit is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s a healthy and refreshing way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Vegetables

Vegetables are another great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They’re also low in calories, so they’re a good choice for snacks.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. They’re also a good source of antioxidants.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics. It’s a healthy and satisfying snack that can help you stay full.

Tips and Tricks for Eating Healthy on a Budget

Plan ahead. Planning your meals ahead of time will help you avoid making unhealthy choices when you’re short on time or money.
Cook in bulk. Cooking in bulk is a great way to save time and money. Cook a large pot of soup or stew on the weekend and then eat it throughout the week.
Use coupons and discounts. There are many ways to save money on groceries, such as using coupons, shopping at discount stores, and buying in bulk.
Buy frozen fruits and vegetables. Frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh fruits and vegetables, and they’re often cheaper.

Why Eating Healthy Matters

Eating healthy is important for both your physical and mental health. A healthy diet can help you:

Maintain a healthy weight
Reduce your risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer
Improve your mood and energy levels
Boost your immune system
Sleep better

Benefits of Eating Healthy for Students

Eating healthy is especially important for students. A healthy diet can help you:

Improve your academic performance
Stay focused and alert in class
Reduce stress and anxiety
Sleep better
Feel better overall

Conclusion

Eating healthy in college doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With a little planning and effort, you can easily find healthy and affordable foods that will help you stay fueled and focused throughout the semester.