Healthy eating on a budget as a student
Credit to Author: Geneviève Beaupré and Susan Qadeer| Date: Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:46:05 +0000
You have probably heard it most of your life. Eat a good breakfast and eat well; your brain and body need good nutrition. As far as we know, this is still accepted science. Make healthy eating a part of your daily routine. This will help improve your energy, memory and focus and with a strengthened immune system you may be less likely to fall ill. A student in good health makes learning that much easier.
Cheap eats, where to shop?
Usually buying and making your own food is both cheaper and healthier than eating at a restaurant. Also, when you cook, you can control salt and sugar amounts and know that there are no additives such as food coloring or preservatives. If you must eat out and funds are limited, the school cafeteria may offer less expensive items, but they may not always be healthy. If you carry some fresh fruit or vegetables with you, you will improve the nutrition of a fast food meal. While ordering takeout from a restaurant, avoid using food delivery services as they will significantly increase your bill.
Not all grocery stores are equal. There may be large differences in prices both for fresh and pre-packaged food items. Small neighborhood shops are convenient but may not always be the best for prices, especially when buying in larger quantities. Explore and make some comparisons to find the best stores for your needs. If you specifically looking for ethnic food, find a convenient store. But increasingly, a number of big grocery chains are also carrying ethnic food items.
Planning and going shopping with a list will help you avoid impulsive spending and eating and ensure you have the foods at home you need to make meals. The goal is to eat well without spending an inordinate amount of time, energy and money.
Food banks
There are food banks in most communities where people in need can go to get free food. There may be some restrictions on when they are open and how often you can access them. Check the website Food Banks Canada to locate a food bank in your community. Some schools also have food banks for their students. Check your school’s website for more information on accessing this resource.
Best before and expiry dates
You will sometimes find a “best before” date stamped on the food package. This means that the food should be consumed before this date for optimal flavour and quality. When food is stamped with an “expiry” date, it means that the food may not be safe to eat past this date. Items sold close to their best before date may be discounted for quick sale. This may be an opportunity to access more expensive items at a lower cost, if you will be using these items within a short time.
Tips on eating well
Some students who live in residence with a meal plan don’t always make healthy choices. Once the novelty of cafeteria food wears off, it is important to remind yourself of what your body needs in terms of calories, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and variety.
If you live in one of Canada’s larger urban centres, the tremendous array of ethnic foods will be available to you. Many inexpensive restaurants are located in local strip malls. Expanding your eating repertoire is also enriching and may be worth your time and resources. You may be able to treat yourself, especially if you manage to save money by preparing your own meals several times a week.
Breakfast can be a standard of what you enjoy that is also sufficiently nourishing to take you to your next meal. Lunch can primarily be packed from home and taken with you to school. For the evening meal, even if you are not much of a cook, having a few dishes you can make quickly and at a low cost will save you time and money. Your school’s student association or peer mentoring office may offer free cooking and/or nutrition classes that can help you adopt a low-cost and healthy diet.
Cooking and eating well is both a necessity and a pleasure. It is a way to maintain your health and energy as well as a way to treat yourself, entertain others and explore your city. Consider it your obligation to your health and academic success.
The post Healthy eating on a budget as a student first appeared on Canadian Immigrant.
http://canadianimmigrant.ca/feed