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One of the challenges of being a college student living on their own is managing daily meals. Often, due to time and budget constraints, students opt for instant, affordable meals. Can anyone relate?
Unfortunately, consuming instant food regularly can have negative effects on health, especially if not monitored for portion control and consumed over a long period. So, how can you maintain a healthy diet without the hassle? Read this article to find out!
Keep a Supply of Vegetables and Fruits
Vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins and fiber, essential for your health. Keep a sufficient supply of fruits and vegetables for the week. Choose ones that can be stored for some time, like bananas, apples, carrots, spinach, corn, etc.
Fruits can also be a convenient breakfast option—they’re healthy and filling. So, there’s no excuse to skip breakfast, as it’s important for your body!
Plan Your Weekly Menu
For those living independently, take a little time to plan your weekly menu. By creating a meal plan, you can manage and estimate your budget, and shop all at once. This approach is more efficient, right?
Choose and Store Ingredients Properly
When shopping, always choose fresh ingredients to avoid spoilage. Don’t forget to store them properly according to their type and the planned menu schedule.
For example, store chicken in a single container in the freezer, while other ingredients like vegetables can be stored separately. It’s best to keep ingredients in the refrigerator to extend their freshness and maintain their nutritional value.
Prepare Ready-to-Eat Side Dishes
If you don’t have much time to cook every day, use your weekends to prepare semi-cooked meals. You can also prepare some practical side dishes, like shredded meat, potato chips, fried tempeh, etc., which are rich in protein and delicious!
Cook in Large Batches and Divide into Small Portions
The key lies in the meal plan you’ve prepared. Try cooking in large batches and then divide them into smaller portions for single meals. For instance, if you’re making practical and long-lasting yellow-spiced chicken, cook a large batch, divide it into portions, and store them in smaller containers. This way, you can easily adjust to single-meal portions.
These methods also help reduce food waste from over-purchasing or over-cooking, as everything becomes more measured and aligned with your consumption needs. Share this information to help others make wiser food choices!
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