Nutrition On A Budget

Story by Alex Heinemann

Photos by Audriana Chenoweth

Are you a broke college student? Do you spend money on social events or other adventures that might make your financial situations a little more difficult? 

Coming to college, students are warned of the Freshman 15. Apparently it is bound to happen because of the endless buffet offered through the cafeterias and how much cheaper ‘bad’ food and fast food is. 

“Most people get overwhelmed when they enter the grocery store and look at the produce not knowing what to do with it,” junior Conner Riedel said. “They resort to the pre-made, easy, on-the-go type meals to fit their busy lifestyle instead of trying to meal prep to save money.”

Well, what would happen if students knew a little secret? Eating healthy and balanced on a budget is totally possible and more affordable than fast food or eating out.

Trust the process; bank accounts and bodies will appreciate it. 

“I spend around $20-25 a week on my groceries,” Riedel said. “I meal prep lunches and make quick dinners to keep up with my busy schedule.” 

Buying in-season fruits & veggies, canned veggies and fruits that are out of season and keeping it as packaged-free as possible is the goal.

Here is a super easy recipe that can help the student quest to cheap healthy eats as a broke college student. 

Shakshuka (shak-shoo-ka): Mediterranean traditionl breakfast dish composing of eggs, cheese, veggies cooked in tomato sauce.


  • Olive oil 
  • ½ onion
  • Garlic (as much or as little as your heart desires) 
  • Green pepper (optional) 
  • Cumin, Paprika, Cayenne  
  • Tomato sauce (homemade, store-bought, nobody is going to judge) 
  • 2 Eggs 
  • Feta
  • Salt and Pepper to taste 



  1. Saute the onions, garlic and optional green pepper in olive oil until fragrant and onions are slightly opaque. 
  2. Next add the cumin, paprika and cayenne to the veggies and mix. 
  3. Pour the tomato sauce into the pan and mix until combined. 
  4. Make small craters into the sauce where you will crack the eggs into (one crater per egg) .
  5. Sprinkle as much or as little feta as you would like over top.
  6. Cover the pan with a lid and wait for the egg whites to cook without the egg yolk being done. 
  7. Once the desired consistency of the egg is complete, put a piece of bread in the toaster or just enjoy as is!