Hi all you veggies-eaters and herbivores, lucky for us, vegetarianism is on the rise, but you and I know that it’s not always ideal. It can be hard to eat well as a vegetarian without breaking the bank. Here are some tips and tricks for how to shop and eat vegetarian on a college budget!
- Canned Vegetables
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Okay, so first things first, canned vegetables are your best friend! You can find canned beans, corn, green beans, peas, carrots, etc for as cheap as 90 cents at places like Walmart! These are essential because they are super cheap, and are healthier than eating junk food. Of course if you can buy fresh produce then do that instead, but it is never a bad idea to have a few cans of beans, corn and other veggies on standby.
- COUPONS, COUPONS, COUPONS
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Okay, get out the scissors and your local grocery’s weekly deals book. To be completely honest, it can be a super time-consuming activity, BUT it is actually kind of fun if you’re into organizing and things like that. This is something that can really save your wallet.
- Plan Ahead
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Okay this is another thing that can be time consuming, but it is a really good idea for those fighting the temptation of going out to eat every night. I usually sit down on Sunday mornings or evenings and just write out what meals I would like to eat for dinner that week. This helps you when you go shopping because it prohibits you from buying things that you don’t need. It also reminds you to assess what you already have and teaches you to look in the pantry and think of something to cook. It’s the adult thing to do!
- Try Something New
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Personally, I like to try to make or buy something new each week because, as a vegetarian, it is so important to make sure you are not eating the same things every time you cook. So go on Pinterest and find recipes for vegetarian foods and add the ingredients to your list.
- Make Your Own Snacks
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So this can really help you save money. Buying things from Aldi and making stuff in bulk can really help with having to spend money every week on the same things. For example, homemade granola. Buying the ingredients for this can be super cheap, and can last you a while. Things like granola bars and protein balls and oatmeal mixes are super healthy and filling, and can last you awhile.