There comes a time when we have to let our baby birdie’s leave the nest. For many of us, this transition happens right around now as many of the big kids are off to post-secondary education or finding apartments and starting new jobs.
One of the biggest challenges a young adult faces when they leave their childhood home is how to feed themselves. Independently grocery shopping, abiding by a budget, cooking and keeping up with school or work expectations is a lot to manage all at once.
Quick Tips:
• Find stores that are either in walking distance or along the bus route.
• Discuss the value of menu planning & purchasing sale items.
• Have them join you when shopping. Nothing beats a little hands-on experience.
• What appliances are available or allowed in their living space? Having a clear picture of what is available will allow for maximum creativity and resourcefulness. Many residences or roommate situations offer communal kitchen spaces that provide space in a fridge, a stove/oven, microwave, etc.
• 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 there is a purchased menu plan, find out exactly what is included and how to stretch your options as much as possible. Don’t waste your money on foods you can easily have or make in your room. Making their own coffee or tea can save a pile of money. Save the fancy café stops for a special treat.
Being Creative in Your Space:
No kitchen, no problem:
• trail mix
• bagged popcorn
• pretzels
• apples, bananas, oranges, pears
Have a kettle?
• tea, coffee, hot chocolate
• oatmeal
• soup
Have a fridge?
• yogurt, cheese
• milk
• fruit & veggies
• hummus
Have a toaster oven?
• whole grain toast
• frozen homemade waffles & pancakes
• reheat leftovers
Have a personal blender?
• 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
Healthy Living Habits:
• minimize late night snacking & if you do, make it good quality choices
• eat regularly – aim for 3 main meals & no skipping breakfast
• 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 both begin a new adventure!
Photo by Sarath C M on Unsplash
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