24 Hours of Healthy Student Cooking (Cheap and Realistic)

Summary

This video showcases a full day of affordable and nutritious meals, perfect for broke college students. From a quick and easy apple cinnamon overnight oats breakfast to a flavorful chicken wrap with honey chili sauce for lunch, followed by a satisfying bean salad snack, and finishing off with chili garlic noodles and tofu for dinner, the meals are designed to be simple, healthy, and cost under $6.25 for the entire day. Each dish is under 30 minutes to prepare, demonstrating how students can eat well without breaking the bank while staying energized throughout the day.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cheap and healthy meals are possible even on a tight budget as a broke college student.
• 😀 Breakfast can be quick, easy, and nutritious with oats, yogurt, and apple for a cost of $1.25 per portion.
• 😀 Oats are a versatile and affordable source of carbs and fiber, keeping you full for longer.
• 😀 Chicken thighs are a more flavorful and cost-effective alternative to chicken breasts for wraps.
• 😀 Wrapping meals like the chicken wrap is a great way to create portable, balanced meals that are both satisfying and easy to eat on the go.
• 😀 Customizing sauces for wraps (like a honey chili sauce) adds flavor without breaking the bank.
• 😀 Bean salad on crackers is a simple and light afternoon snack, packed with fiber and plant-based protein.
• 😀 You can make cheap, yet flavorful, chili garlic noodles with tofu, ramen, and a few sauces for a cost of $1.80 per meal.
• 😀 Using tofu as a substitute for meat provides a budget-friendly source of protein, especially when seasoned well.
• 😀 You don’t need elaborate cooking tools or pans to make nutritious, low-effort meals—just basic ingredients and simple techniques.
• 😀 Overall, the goal is to make meals that are healthy, affordable, quick, and easy to prepare, all for under $6.25 for the whole day.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the video?

The main goal of the video is to show college students how to prepare cheap, nutritious, and quick meals without spending much time or money, while avoiding bland or unhealthy options.

Why does the creator suggest using oats for breakfast?

Oats are recommended because they are inexpensive, rich in carbs and fiber, and help keep you full for longer. They are also easy to prepare without any cooking required, making them perfect for a lazy college morning.

What are the benefits of soaking oats in yogurt rather than water?

Soaking oats in yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess to the dish, as well as extra health benefits like probiotics. It also makes the oats more flavorful and nutrient-dense compared to soaking in water.

What makes chicken thighs a better choice than chicken breasts for the wrap?

Chicken thighs are more affordable than chicken breasts and have a higher fat content, which makes them more flavorful and less likely to dry out during cooking.

What are some of the key ingredients for the honey chili sauce?

The honey chili sauce is made with yogurt, chili powder, garlic powder, chili flakes, hot sauce (specifically chipotle Cholula), and lime juice. This mix of ingredients creates a balance of heat, sweetness, and tang.

Why does the creator recommend using iceberg lettuce in the wrap?

Iceberg lettuce is chosen for its crispy, watery crunch that provides a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients in the wrap, adding texture and freshness.

What is the purpose of adding cilantro to the lunch wrap?

Cilantro adds a burst of freshness and enhances the flavor profile of the wrap, making it taste brighter and more vibrant.

How does the creator make the afternoon snack satisfying despite its simplicity?

The snack consists of a bean salad on crackers, which is made more satisfying by combining a variety of beans, vegetables, and a tangy dressing with yogurt. The beans provide protein and fiber, making the snack filling.

What is the benefit of frying tofu until crispy in the dinner recipe?

Frying the tofu until crispy creates a texture similar to minced meat, which adds a satisfying crunch to the dish. It also helps the tofu absorb the flavors of the sauce, making it more flavorful.

How does the creator elevate instant ramen in the dinner recipe?

The creator takes instant ramen noodles to the next level by adding a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili, along with crispy tofu and fresh green onions. This turns a basic ramen dish into a gourmet meal.