It's no secret that being a college student means being strapped for cash much of the time. Between the cost of tuition and books, you probably don't have much left to spend on food. However, you also know that eating healthy is important for preventing disease, maintaining your weight and helping your brain focus and learn. Good news! You aren't doomed to eating junk just because you're low on cash. Here are some really healthy foods that don't cost much at all.
1 Canned Fish 🐟
Tuna from a can is probably one of the most budget-friendly foods to stock in your dorm room. For mere pennies per serving, you get a hefty dose of protein and omega-3 fatty acids and very few calories and grams of fat. Use canned tuna to make a sandwich or toss it with some pasta or into a salad for a filling and tasty meal for cheap.
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2 Bananas 🍌
When it comes to fruit, bananas will give you the most bang for the buck. You can usually find them for under $1 per pound all year long. Bananas are packed with potassium, fiber and antioxidants. At the same time, a banana will fill you up so you can wait longer before you eat again. Have a banana for breakfast, lunch or dinner and you can save some serious cash.
3 Canned Beans 🍲
The great thing about beans is that they are super affordable, but a powerhouse when it comes to nutrition. A serving of beans will load you up on fiber, protein and a wealth of vitamins and minerals. Beans are the perfect meat substitute when you're watching your checkbook and you can use them to make burgers, chili, soup, salad or dip.
4 Tofu 🍛
Speaking of meat substitutes, you'll make your dollar go a lot further when you choose tofu over beef, chicken or pork. Tofu is incredibly versatile and takes on the flavor of whatever you decide to cook it with. Use tofu to make stir-fry, tacos or a salad. It's easy and delicious.
5 Eggs 🍳
You can never go wrong when you stock up on eggs. They are loaded with protein and healthy fats that satisfy your hunger and keep you feeling full for hours. Eggs are just a few pennies each and make a great choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Have an omelet or an egg and cheese sandwich and you're all set.
6 Lentils 🍚
Like canned beans, lentils are pretty cheap and you can stretch a bag of them through several meals. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, as well as antioxidants. Use lentils in soup or salad to make them stretch further and to add delicious taste to your favorite meals.
7 Whole Wheat Pasta 🍝
Pasta is really affordable and a package is enough for several meals. Whole wheat pasta is your best bet because it has more fiber and nutrients than the traditional white kind. Top yours with some simple tomato sauce and you have a meal that costs less than $1!
8 Dried Cranberries 🍇
Dried cranberries are inexpensive when compared to other dried fruits and make the perfect addition to oatmeal, salad or yogurt. Cranberries contain a whole lot of antioxidants and fiber so you can't go wrong. Don't like them? Choose raisins instead.
9 Oatmeal 🍯
When you need a healthy breakfast meal that tastes good and is fast and easy, oatmeal is your answer. It's super cheap and loads you up with fiber and all kinds of other important nutrients. You can also heat up a bowl of oatmeal for lunch or dinner too!
10 Brown Rice 🍙
Like pasta, rice costs just pennies per serving and you can do a lot with it. Also like pasta, you want the brown version, which is more nutritious than white. Use brown rice to fill out a bowl of veggie soup or add some veggies to make a tasty casserole. Rice also makes a great filler for burritos and stir-fry.
Which of these foods will you stock your dorm room with? What others can you add?
