College is hard, we all know that. Tests and papers mixed with a social life leaves hardly money (or time) for home cooking. Cooking your meals in college is a great way to stay healthy, release stress and not to mention impress your friends. You don’t have to be a master chef to make delicious meals that are way better than on campus dining. Unfortunately, cooking all of your meals can really add up. Here are some ways to save big bucks while still making a great meal.
1. Buy Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
Frozen fruit and veggies are flash frozen just hours after they leave the field. Freezing them locks in all the nutrients and flavors, so they are just as good as fresh produce. In fact, the veggies in the freezer can have more nutritional value than the ones in the produce section after sitting on a truck for days.
2. Another Freezer Tip
Don’t throw away fruits or veggies if they get a bruise
If bananas are too ripe or a pepper gets a little soggy in one spot, STOP! Don’t throw it away. Freeze those guys and use them later for smoothies or cooking. If you only use half an onion in your recipe, stick the other half in the freezer for a later time.
3. Buy Whole Roasted Chickens
These guys are the best for any college student. If you take the time to remove the meat, then you’ll have easy to use pre-cooked chicken at your disposal. Use them in salads, soup, casseroles or chicken salad. Then use the bones and other chicken bits to make stock.
4. Make Big Batches and Save For Later
Love spaghetti? Perfect! Make a large serving and split it in half. Then you always have some on hand if you don’t feel like cooking later.
5. Plan Your Meals
This may seem like an annoying to do, but properly planning your meals can save you tons. This way, you go to the store and only buy the items you need (instead of filling your basket with junk). Planning your meals is also a good way to keep track of how much you are eating.
6. Don’t Impulse Buy Groceries
Go to the store with a purpose, not just to “pick up some things.” Make sure you have eaten before your trip so your stomach isn’t making decisions for you. Plan your dinner in the morning so after class you can have something to look forward to, instead of buying more unnecessary food.
7. Don’t Over-Buy
Don’t be tempted by a “buy two for one” deals. Most of the time, the store does this deal just so you can buy more. Look at the price per item and you will see that you still get a discount even if you buy one. Think about how badly you really need two bags of pita chips–do you really?
This panda say, “Stop buying so much food!”
8. Buy Store Brands
Most of the time, companies make the same food but just change the packaging for the particular store. Don’t be afraid to try it out!
9. Make Your Own Dressing
Salad dressing can get pricey, so make it yourself! Dressing is one of the easiest things to make, usually only requiring a few ingredients.
10. Take Advantage of Coupons
Save your receipts because those coupons on the back may come in handy. If you sign up for a grocery store membership (which is always free) they will tailor the coupons to fit what you buy most.
11. See Where The Best Deals Are Before You Buy
Download Favado! This app will search the stores in your area and give you a list of all of their sale items. You can even type in your grocery list and it will tell you the best place to buy each item.