There comes a time when we have to let our baby birdies fly the coop. For many of us, this transition happens right around now with the start of a new school year as big kids are off to post secondary education.

One of the biggest challenges kids face when off to school is how to feed themselves. Manoeuvring grocery shopping, staying on budget, and avoiding the “Freshman 15,” are at the top of the list. 

Here are my top tips:

  • Whether they have a meal plan or not, find out which stores are either within walking distance or are on the bus route. You can save a lot of time and money by purchasing a few staples to have in their room for quick and easy access. 
  • Many grocery stores offer student discount days and even free transportation to and from campus.
  • If they have access to a kitchen, discuss the value of menu planning & shopping sale items.
  • Find out what appliances are available or allowed in the living space. Having a clear picture of what they are working with will allow for maximum creativity and resourcefulness. Many residences offer a communal kitchen space that provides space in a fridge and use of a stove/oven, a microwave, etc.
  • Don’t have a kitchen? Make friends with someone who does. Offer to cook them a meal in exchange for using their kitchen.
  • Regardless of kitchen space, pack some glass dishes with snap lids for easy food storage. A few key pieces of cutlery and perhaps a favourite mug as well to make them feel more at home.
  • If you purchased a menu plan, find out exactly what is included and how to stretch their options as much as possible. (i.e. if you have a certain dollar amount, don’t waste your money on foods you can easily have in your room. This will of course depend on what is available where they are living. For example, don’t waste your budget on expensive tea or coffee if you can make it in your room.) What does the daily per diem look like? Help your student work out a plan for daily spending so that there aren’t any surprises mid-term.

Flying the Coop

Being Creative in Your Space:

Whether there is a full-out kitchen, or you feel like you are doing some form of glamping, there are plenty of creative ways to eat real foods when away from home.

No kitchen, no problem:

  • trail mix
  • bagged popcorn
  • pretzels
  • apples, bananas, oranges, pears

If you have a kettle, you can make:

  • tea, coffee, hot chocolate
  • oatmeal
  • soup

If you have a fridge, you can have:

  • yogurt, cheese
  • milk
  • fruit & veggies
  • hummus

If you have a toaster oven, you can make:

  • whole-grain toast
  • frozen homemade waffles & pancakes
  • reheat leftovers

If you have a personal blender, you can make:

  • smoothies
  • guacamole
  • hummus

High-Value Foods:

These foods are generally gentle on the budget while at the same time providing good nutrient value.

  • natural nut butters – almond, peanut
  • raw nuts & seeds
  • lentils, black beans, chickpeas
  • whole grain pasta & sauce
  • quinoa

Avoid the Freshman Fifteen

  • minimize late-night snacking & if you do, make it good quality choices
  • eat regularly – make a plan and stick with it
  • get outside – with a sometimes hectic class schedule & homework, we can forget to take advantage of the beautiful sprawling campuses; getting outside is not only good for physical exercise, it is also good for nourishing our brains and giving us some space to breathe

Wishing you well as you all begin a new adventure!

To quote Dr. Seuss: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” – Oh, The Places You Will Go!

 

Flying the Coop – books – Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash