10 Cheap Healthy Meals for College Students Will Actually Love

Everyone who is a college student knows how challenging it can be to balance classes, friends, and money. Giving up healthy eating habits shouldn’t be a choice, though. A well-fed brain is important for academic performance and general health. The problem lies in the fact that healthy college meals often seem expensive and unattainable. So, we put together a list of cheap healthy meals for college students that won’t cost a lot of money.

We’re going to give you 10 affordable and delicious meal ideas that are easy to fit into your daily life and will help you stay healthy, stay motivated, and study without giving up your college experience.

10 Cheap Healthy Meals for College Students

It might seem hard for students to find healthy meals that don’t break the bank, but it’s totally possible with a little imagination. These cheap healthy meals for college students will fill you up without breaking the bank, whether you live in a dorm with limited cooking space or a house with a full kitchen.

Healthy eating on a budget is not only possible, but it’s also necessary to stay alert during long study sessions and have energy all day. You can eat meals that are both tasty and beneficial for you by using fresh products, simple recipes, and smart shopping strategies. Here are 10 meal ideas that won’t break the bank and will keep you full.

1. Overnight Oats – A Budget-Friendly Breakfast Staple

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to start the day off, right? Soaking overnight oats is a wonderful, easy student recipe for busy mornings. You can customize this quick, healthy meal to suit your preferences, but it requires minimal effort.

Why Overnight Oats?

1. Affordable: You can buy a lot of oatmeal, which is a budget-friendly staple.
2. Customizable: You can make your taste mix by adding your favorite nuts, fruits, or spices.
3. Convenient: Prepare in advance and refrigerate overnight for a successful meal prep experience.

College Kitchen Essentials:

• A large mason jar or another suitable container
• Oats rolled up
• Milk (dairy or plant-based)
• Chia seeds (optional)
• Fresh fruits (e.g., berries, bananas)

Healthy Shopping Tip: To save money, buy oats in bulk and veggies that are in season.

Sample Recipe:

• 1/2 cup of rolled oats
• 1/2 cup milk
• One tablespoon of honey
• Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Add nuts and fresh berries on top.

2. Microwave Scrambled Eggs with Veggies

Dorm Room Breakfast Made Easy!

Instant pot fried eggs with vegetables are one of the easiest, quickest, and most comfortable college recipes. This basic meal-planning recipe requires very few items and tools.

How to Do It Step-by-Step:

• Put two eggs into a bowl that can go in the microwave.
• Add a spoonful of milk and salt and pepper to taste.
• Add diced vegetables, like bell peppers and onions, and mix well.
• To make eggs set, put them in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds.

College Kitchen Essentials:

• Microwave-safe bowl
• Eggs
• Milk
• Veggies (e.g., bell peppers, onions)

Healthy College Meals on a Tight Budget Tip: Use up any extra vegetables to reduce food waste.

3. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches – A Power Snack

Fuel Your Studies with a Classic Combo!

The best cheap food is a peanut butter and banana sandwich, a healthy college snack. This affordable food idea is easy to make and full of energy.

Benefits:

• Rich in fats and protein, beneficial for your health
• Keeps you full between meals.
• Getting ready in dorm rooms is simple.

Healthy Snacks for School Tip: Pick natural peanut butter that doesn’t have a lot of extra sugar.

College Budget Hack: Buy bananas in bulk and peanut butter in jars.

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