social.usq.edu.auCRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 16.3.J 08.2015

Life as a student can be tough.Your tastebuds say Masterchef but your budget

screams Mi Goreng! To help you find a happy and satisfying middle-ground, here are some tips on

budget-friendly meal planning.

Incorporating these simple but effective tips will help you enjoy tasty, wholesome meals without

the hefty price tag. After all, two-minute noodles are so two minutes ago!

T e Stingy Student Series . Part 1A MASTERCHEF... MEAL PLAN LIKE ...

» Search for easy recipes online for free! (start here)

» Plan your meals around your weekly schedule. If you know you’re busy on weeknights, plan for easy dinners and leave more time-consuming recipes to try over the weekend.

» Invest in a slow cooker. You can use cheaper cuts of meat and dinner will be ready and waiting when you get home.

» Cut and prepare your fruit and veges as soon as you buy them. If they’re conveniently easy to eat, they won’t go to waste.

» Use fruit and veges that are in season as they’re generally more affordable and of good quality.

» Substitute expensive ingredients with cheaper alternatives. A quick Google search could save you serious dollars without compromising on flavour.

» Aim for two vegetarian meals per week. Try using pulses and legumes for a serve of protein that will keep you feeling full.

» Don’t let fruit and veges over-ripen and go to waste. Portion, bag and freeze them for use in smoothies or soups.

» Don’t indulge in second dinners. Once you’ve served a meal, portion any leftovers into containers and pop them straight into the freezer for future meals.