A Student's Guide to Eating Well While Balancing College Life
You don't need to master Beef Wellington in your dorm room to start cooking for yourself. Though the prospect does seem daunting, considering the balance a student has to maintain during their college life. Aside from classes, assignments, extracurriculars, and everything in between, what we eat can impact our performance and energy in every aspect of our daily life. Good nutrition is never something luxurious–it’s fuel for living a good, fulfilling day. The best part? Eating well never has to drain your wallet.
“Cheap eats” have always had a bad rep for college students and anyone on a minimal budget, because such kind of food is either greasy or processed (or both). What most people overlook is that there are always healthier options if you know where to look. Whether you’re hunting for a hearty, spring empanada after class or a quick salad that won’t break the bank and pump you with energy and make you feel fresh throughout the whole day, NYC is packed with healthy gems like Empanada Mama.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to save money and eat healthy for an enjoyable day.
The Struggle is Real: Balancing Cheap Eats and Healthy Habits
When we first start college, there’s always a struggle in deciding whether to spend money on healthy meals or just grab whatever greasy takeout between classes that comes under a dollar or two. It’s not a well-thought-out buying process, but rather late-night cravings that make the decision, which makes eating well easily fall off the radar. And let’s not forget the myth that healthy food is always touted as expensive–a belief that makes everyone hesitate every time we pass a fresh market or a buffet-like salad bar.
But the truth is, you don’t have to choose between your wallet and your well-being. All it takes is a little creativity, a little sleuthing around the Internet and local areas, and smart, informed choices regarding meals to keep up a balance between your finances and your health.
Empanada Mama’s Menu: Health Options for Students
NYC is packed with healthy, cheap eats that college students can rely on. Empanada Mama is one of them. Here are some healthy eating options from our menu:
Veggie Empanada: Packed with spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms, this nutrient-rich empanada is light yet satisfying, perfect for vegetarians or anyone craving a fresh bite.
Lentil Empanada: Lentils are a powerhouse of fiber and protein. We tuck them into a golden pastry pocket to create a hearty, wholesome meal that’s anything but boring.
Chicken and Spinach Arepa: A riotously delicious option for non-vegetarians! Lean chicken and fresh spinach wrapped in a naturally gluten-free corn pocket to keep you energized for hours.
Plantains Maduros or Tostones: Sweet, caramelized Maduros or savory, lightly-fried Tostones offer a healthier alternative to typical fried sides, comforting without feeling heavy.
Avocado Salad: A refreshing and fiber-rich option featuring romaine and iceberg lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, cilantro, scallions, and sliced avocado, finished with a house cumin dressing.
Colombian Lentil Soup: A hearty, dairy-free, low-fat soup that's packed with plant-based protein and perfect for a light but satisfying meal between classes.
Smart Eating: How to Customise Your Order for Maximum Nutrition
One of the biggest lessons students can learn about eating well on a budget is that a few well-thought-out tweaks to their menu can make a big difference.
While ordering at Empanada Mama, feel free to swap fried options for the grilled or baked ones whenever you can. This can help in cutting down excess oil without losing out on flavor in any of your meals. Plus, always keep a lookout to sneak in extra veggies! Adding a side of sautéed spinach makes any meal feel fresher.
Another trick that can save both money and energy is always paying attention to portions. It’s easy to get carried away when the menu looks this good, but two to three empanadas usually make the perfect meal. With a few simple swaps and mindful portions, eating out can stay both healthy and affordable.
College Survival Guide: Eating Healthy on a Tight Schedule
Busy schedules don't have to mean unhealthy eating habits. With a little planning and smart choices, students can stay energized without breaking the bank.
Grab-and-Go Empanadas: Our empanadas are the ultimate portable meal—easy to eat, mess-free, and packed with satisfying ingredients.
Quick Picks for Busy Days: Grab the "ready on the counter" veggie or lentil empanadas when your day is a nonstop rollercoaster.
Meal Prep Like a Pro: Order extra empanadas, plantains, or arepas and store them in a fridge or a tiffin for quick, healthy meals later.
Stay Ahead of Hunger: Keeping ready-to-eat options nearby helps avoid last-minute, expensive (and unhealthy) takeout temptations.
Where to Find Cheap Healthy Eats Near Campus
Living in NYC means you’ll never be too far from good food. Thankfully, Empanada Mama makes it easy to grab something healthy and affordable.
With locations in Hell’s Kitchen, the Lower East Side, and the Upper East Side, Empanada Mama’s outlets are a quick trip from major campuses like Columbia, NYU, and CUNY. We are open 24/7, making it your favorite spot for cheap yet delicious food.
You can count on a fresh, satisfying meal that won’t blow my budget, and it’s such a relief to find places that actually give fast service for good food with real ingredients. Stop by Empanada Mama for a little boost in between classes, and your wallet—and your brain—will thank you.
Thriving in College with Healthy, Cheap Eats
Thriving in college isn’t just about hitting the books and getting through a word limit for this assignment and that project. College life teaches you to take care of yourself, too.
Eating well never has to be expensive or frustratingly complicated. Places like Empanada Mama make it easy to stick to healthy habits without draining wallets. Whether you’re craving a hearty lentil empanada or something lighter like maduros and a spinach arepa, you’re making a choice that fuels your body and your gym goals.
Empanada Mama’s commitment to real ingredients and student-friendly prices is a game-changer—and honestly, we’ll definitely be one of your favorite study hacks by the time you clock in your year-end goals for a healthier you.
Ready to go from hungry to healthy? Order now!