As a student, you should buy affordable and nutrient-rich foods such as beans, rice, eggs, vegetables, and fruits to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
Let us take a deeper look now
As a student, it’s important to choose foods that are both affordable and nutritious. By doing so, you can maintain a healthy and balanced diet that will help you get through those long study sessions and stressful exams.
One great option is beans. They are affordable, packed with nutrients and fiber, and can be used in a variety of dishes such as salads, soups, and stews. According to the USDA dietary guidelines, beans are a great source of protein and are considered part of both the vegetable and protein food groups.
Another affordable option is rice. It’s a great source of energy and can be used in a variety of dishes such as stir-fries, casseroles, and burritos. Brown rice is also a great source of fiber and is considered a whole grain.
Eggs are another great option. They are affordable and easy to prepare in a variety of ways such as scrambled, fried, or boiled. Eggs are a great source of protein and can be used in a variety of dishes such as omelets, frittatas, and quiches.
Vegetables and fruits should also be a part of your diet. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), students should aim for 2 1/2 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit a day.
As Cleo Wade, an American poet, artist, and author said, “Sometimes even honey will only scratch the throat if what you really need is a bowl of soup.” By choosing the right foods, you can fuel your body and mind for all of the challenges that come with being a student.
Table of nutrient-dense and affordable foods for students:
Food | Nutrients | Average Cost |
---|---|---|
Beans | Protein, fiber, iron, potassium | $0.10/ounce |
Brown Rice | Fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium | $0.08/ounce |
Eggs | Protein, vitamin D, choline | $0.12/egg |
Carrots | Vitamin A, potassium, fiber | $0.10/ounce |
Spinach | Iron, calcium, vitamin A | $0.37/ounce |
Apples | Fiber, vitamin C | $0.60/ounce |
Bananas | Potassium, vitamin C | $0.16/ounce |
In summary, students should focus on purchasing affordable and nutrient-rich foods such as beans, rice, eggs, vegetables, and fruits. By doing so, they can maintain a healthy and balanced diet that will help them succeed academically and in their personal lives.
Related video
College students from different backgrounds and financial situations shared how they would spend $100 on groceries in a video on Cut’s YouTube channel. The students’ spending patterns varied depending on their priorities and schedules, with some preferring to cook and buy fresh produce, while others relied on fast food and takeout. Despite concerns about debt and the pressure of paying off student loans, the students expressed optimism about their future job prospects and a willingness to learn and develop during their college experience.
Other options for answering your question
Sample College Student Grocery List
Produce Fresh fruits (e.g., apples, pears, oranges, bananas, grapes, etc.) Fresh vegetables (e.g., spinach, broccoli, cucumber, onions, potatoes, etc.) Dairy Milk Cheese Yogurt Butter Grains and Breads Bread Bagels Muffins Cereal Oatmeal Rice Quinoa Lentils Pasta Tortillas
When grocery shopping, look for items you enjoy that can easily be taken to go and require little to no prep time: Granola or breakfast bars Yogurt Cereal (put in a bag or container to eat dry) Bagels (and peanut butter, cream cheese, jam, etc.) Fruit
College grocery list ideas
- Apples
- Bananas
- Beans
- Bell peppers
This list is divided into non-refrigerated, refrigerated, and frozen food items: College Grocery list (Refrigerated) Butter/Margarine Milk/Coconut Milk/Almond Milk (Your favorites) Eggs/Egg Substitutes Cheese (any), Cheddar, Ricotta, Feta, Brie, etc. Fresh fruits/vegetables (Apples, bananas, tomato, lettuce, etc.)
College student grocery list: snacks and side dishes
- 1. Snack crackers These days there are a lot of different varieties of snack crackers.
You will most likely be intrigued
- Breakfast – cereal and milk, toast, porridge, yoghurt.
- Bread and eggs – sandwiches, omelettes, scrambled egg on toast.
- Pasta and rice – good with any sauce, veggies, meat or alternatives.
- Stir fry noodles – with beansprouts and veggies.
- Pizza. Pizza is delicious and has cheesy goodness.
- Frozen Yogurt. Frozen yogurt is one of the most ordered meals among college students.
- Chicken Wings.
- French Fries.
- Mac and Cheese.
- Burgers.