Fueling Your Body on a Budget: High-Protein Meal Prep for Students

Balancing classes, part-time work, and managing social life is hard enough as a student, but eating well shouldn’t be. If you’re a Queen’s student trying to stay energized and strong without spending too much, high-protein meal prep is your new best friend. 

Retrieved from Canada's Food Guide

Protein plays a key role in keeping you full, focused, and fueled, especially if you’re active or constantly on the go. And no, you don’t need a massive budget or fancy ingredients to get enough. It’s all about planning smart and shopping strategically. 

Budget Tips: 

• Shop during student-discount days, and/or at budget-friendly places like Metro (10% off 24/7 with a student card), Food Basics (10% off on Tuesdays with a student card), FreshCo, or the Queen's PEACH Market

• Choose canned or frozen proteins and vegetables; they’re affordable and packed with nutrients!

• Take advantage of student-led initiatives like Fresh Food Boxes and Mason Jar Meals through Student Wellness Services 

• Look for competitive deals and offers using apps like Flipp, and consider buying shelf-stable staples in bulk

Meal Prep Ideas: 

1. Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Bowls – Vegan, filling, and packed with fiber and protein 

2. Greek Chicken Wraps – Great for lunch or dinner, and high in protein 

3. Egg Muffin Bites – Perfect for busy mornings or snacks 

You don’t need expensive gear; just a few reusable containers, one solid pan, and some go-to spices. Reusing leftovers and batch-cooking saves time, money, and stress during exam season. Plus, staying consistent with your meals helps you avoid last-minute takeout splurges (sorry, CoGro). 

At the end of the day, fueling your body doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a few easy recipes and a bit of prep, you can save money and feel good!

For more tips, recipes, and to stay updated on campus food programs, follow @queensustudentwellness on Instagram!