1.
Healthy Eating on a Budget for college students to buy nutritious meal without overspending
on unnecessary ingredients. We can opt out for other alternatives. Purpose: stay healthy while
still having the money to spend on other necessities and useful resources to improve on your
life and future
Do these requirements,
-Write Script for Introduction and Start of Presentation
-Approximately 2 minutes
-Create slides to accompany you
Demo:
Title: Healthy Eating on a Budget for College Students
Introduction (2 minutes) (Engaging Hook) "Ever feel like eating healthy is just too expensive?
Like the only way to save money is by surviving on instant noodles and fast food? You're not
alone! But what if I told you that you CAN eat well without breaking the bank?"
(Why It Matters) "As college students, we’re juggling tuition, books, rent, and still trying to
afford food. But eating cheap shouldn’t mean eating unhealthy. Today, I’ll show you how to get
the most nutrition for your money—so you can stay healthy AND still have cash for other
essentials."
Main Body (6 minutes)
1. Smart Grocery Shopping
o Plan ahead: Make a weekly meal plan and shopping list to avoid impulse buys.
o Buy in bulk: Rice, oats, beans, and frozen veggies are affordable and last longer.
o Shop smart: Stick to store brands—they’re cheaper and just as good.
o Avoid pre-packaged meals: Cooking from scratch is healthier and saves money.
2. Affordable, Nutritious Foods
o Focus on staples: Eggs, beans, lentils, whole grains, and seasonal fruits/veggies.
o Protein on a budget: Canned tuna, chicken thighs, tofu, and peanut butter.
o Frozen over fresh: Frozen veggies and fruits are just as nutritious but last longer.
3. Meal Prep & Cooking Hacks
o Batch cooking: Make meals in advance to avoid last-minute fast food runs.
o One-pot meals: Save time, money, and dishes with soups, stir-fries, and
casseroles.
o DIY snacks: Swap expensive protein bars for homemade energy bites or yogurt
with fruit.
4. Cutting Costs Without Sacrificing Health
o Limit takeout: Set a budget for dining out and stick to it.
o Water over soda: Hydration matters, and water is free!
o Minimize food waste: Store food properly and get creative with leftovers.
Conclusion (1 minute) "Healthy eating on a budget isn’t impossible—it just takes a little
planning and smart choices. By sticking to simple, nutritious ingredients, meal prepping, and
shopping wisely, you can fuel your body without emptying your wallet. So next time you think
eating healthy is ‘too expensive,’ remember—it’s all about how you spend!"
(Closing Call-to-Action) "Try one of these tips this week. Even a small change can make a big
difference in your health AND your budget. Let’s eat smart and thrive—without going broke!"
Second Demo:
Certainly! Here's a script for your presentation "Healthy Eating on a Budget for College
Students," structured as a problem/solution type and designed to fit within a 7-8 minute
timeframe.
---
### **Introduction**
- **Greeting & Attention-Grabber:**
- "Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone. Imagine this: It's the end of the month, and
your wallet feels emptier than a deserted campus during summer break. You're hungry, but
you're also a college student on a budget. How do you balance these two conflicting realities?"
- **Purpose & Importance:**
- "Today, I'll be addressing a common challenge faced by many college students: healthy eating
on a budget. We'll explore the problems associated with this issue and, most importantly,
provide practical solutions to help you eat well without breaking the bank."
### **Main Part 1: Identifying the Problem**
- **Statistical Data & Facts:**
- "First, let's identify the problem. According to recent studies, a significant number of college
students experience food insecurity, meaning they lack consistent access to nutritious food. This
can lead to poor eating habits, reliance on cheap fast food, and subsequent health issues."
- **Challenges Faced:**
- "The primary challenges include limited budgets, lack of time to prepare meals, and the
misconception that healthy food is expensive. Many students resort to unhealthy, processed
foods because they seem more affordable and convenient."
### **Main Part 2: Affordable and Nutritious Food Choices**
- **Budget-Friendly Grocery Shopping:**
- "One solution is to become a smart grocery shopper. Opt for affordable yet nutritious staples
such as beans, lentils, rice, oats, and frozen vegetables. Buying in bulk and shopping for store
brands can also help save money."
- **Meal Planning & Preparation:**
- "Planning meals in advance can save both time and money. Dedicate a day each week to plan
your meals, make a grocery list, and prepare meals in bulk. Cooking at home not only cuts costs
but allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes."
### **Main Part 3: Utilizing Campus Resources and Community Support**
- **Campus Food Programs & Resources:**
- "Many colleges offer food assistance programs, such as food pantries or meal vouchers. Don't
hesitate to take advantage of these resources. Additionally, look for on-campus events that
provide free meals or snacks."
- **Community and Online Resources:**
- "Join local community groups or online forums where people share tips on budget-friendly
recipes and meal planning. Apps and websites that offer coupons and discounts can also help
you stretch your budget further."
### **Conclusion**
- **Recap & Final Thoughts:**
- "In conclusion, while eating healthy on a budget can be challenging for college students, it is
not impossible. By understanding the problem and implementing the solutions discussed—such
as smart grocery shopping, meal planning, and utilizing available resources—you can make
nutritious eating a reality even on a tight budget."
- **Call to Action:**
- "I encourage each of you to take these tips to heart and start making small changes in your
eating habits today. Not only will it benefit your health, but it will also help you manage your
finances better."
- **Q&A Invitation:**
- "Thank you for your attention. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have."
---
Feel free to tweak the script to match your speaking style and the specific needs of your
audience. Good luck with your presentation!
Final Script:
Introduction:
Good morning, everyone. First of all, allow me thank you all for coming here today to listen to
my presentation. Let me start by introducing myself, my name is Hung. The topic that I’d like to
discuss about is Healthy Eating On A Budget. Now before we start, as a uni student, I think most
of you student have always have this question lingers in your mind. Have you ever feel like
eating healthy is usually just too complicated? Because of that, as a way to save money, you just
usually chose to survive on instant noodle and fast food. Then you’re not alone! But what if I tell
you that you can develop a healthy diet without throwing your money out of the window? And
that’s what I’m going to discuss in this presentation. So, I’ve divide my talk into 3 parts The
Problem of Bad Eating Habits Among College Students, Eating healthy myths and solution
Utilizing Campus Resources and Community Support. Since, we’re tight on schedule today. I
will just discuss about the first part and talk more about those next two part in the next one.
Alright, let’s begin.
As a college student, we all know the college life is busy, like meeting deadlines, do assignments,
and social activities, and so much more. As a result, some students might develop unhealthy
eating habits without even realizing it. One common issue is skipping meals, especially breakfast
and lunch. With tight schedules and early morning classes, students often rush out the door
without eating, thinking they’ll grab something later. But by the time they do, they’re starving,
leading to overeating or grabbing whatever is quickest—even if it’s unhealthy. Skipping meals
not only drains energy and makes it harder to concentrate in class, but it also slows metabolism
and creates an unhealthy cycle of binge eating later in the day.
Another big challenge is the overreliance on fast food and processed snacks. With limited time
and money, grabbing a burger, instant noodles, or a bag of chips seems like the easiest option.
While these foods might be Convenient in the moment, they often lack the nutrients needed to
sustain energy levels throughout the day. Too much processed food can lead to sluggishness,
weight gain, and even long-term health problems. At the same time, many students rely on
sugary coffee drinks, sodas, or energy drinks to stay awake for late-night study sessions. While
caffeine gives a quick boost, the energy crash that follows can leave them feeling even more
exhausted. Too much caffeine and sugar can also lead to dehydration, trouble with sleeping, and
an increased risk of health issues over time.
All of these unhealthy eating patterns may seem harmless in the short term, but they can have a
significant impact on students' well-being in the long-term. Low energy, poor concentration, and
long-term health risks are just a few symptoms, make it harder to perform well academically
and feel good overall. However, the good news is that eating well doesn’t have to be expensive
or time-consuming. In the next week, we’ll explore Eating healthy myths and solution to them
to build a nutritious diet without adding stress to a busy college lifestyle, and also Campus and
community support, to aid us in the journey of developing healthy eating habit.
Main Part 2: Debunking Common Myths About Healthy Eating on a Budget
Myth 1: Eating Healthy Is Expensive
One of the most common misconceptions about healthy eating is that it requires purchasing
expensive organic foods, imported superfoods, or premium brands. While some health-focused
products can be costly, eating nutritious meals doesn’t have to strain a college student’s budget.
Here’s why eating healthy can actually be affordable:
Choose local and affordable staple foods: In Vietnam, foods like rice, beans, tofu, eggs,
seasonal vegetables, and fruits are packed with nutrients and cost much less than
processed snacks or fast food.
Buy in bulk and take advantage of discounts: Purchasing staples such as rice, beans, and
noodles in larger quantities or when they are on sale can help save money and last for
months.
Cooking at home is cheaper than eating out: A meal at a street food stall or a fast-food
chain might cost 40,000-70,000 VND per meal, but a home-cooked dish with rice,
vegetables, and protein can cost as little as 20,000-30,000 VND per serving, with
leftovers for another day.
🔹 Example: Instead of buying fast food like fried chicken and bubble tea (which can easily cost
100,000 VND), cooking a simple meal like stir-fried vegetables with tofu and rice can be much
healthier and more budget-friendly.
🔹 Takeaway: Healthy eating is possible on a budget by focusing on affordable local ingredients
and smart meal planning.
Myth 2: Eating Healthy Is Time-Consuming
Many students believe that cooking nutritious meals requires a lot of time and effort. However,
healthy meals can be quick and simple with proper planning.
Here’s how to make it easier:
Meal prepping saves time: Preparing meals in bulk at the beginning of the week allows
you to just heat and eat during busy days.
o Example: Instead of cooking every day, you can prepare a batch of rice, boiled
eggs, grilled chicken, and stir-fried vegetables on Sunday and portion them into
meals for the week.
Simple recipes work best: You don’t need to follow complicated cooking techniques—
quick meals like stir-fried vegetables, rice bowls, or omelets can be made in under 15-20
minutes.
Use time-saving kitchen tools: Investing in a rice cooker, air fryer, or even a simple
electric pan can significantly cut down cooking time.
🔹 Takeaway: With meal planning and simple recipes, eating healthy can be just as fast as
ordering takeout—and much better for your health and budget.
Myth 3: Eating Healthy Is Complicated
Some people think that eating healthy requires strict dieting, counting every calorie, or using
expensive ingredients. But in reality, healthy eating is about balance, not perfection.
Here’s how to keep it simple:
Stick to the basics: A nutritious meal typically consists of protein (chicken, tofu, eggs,
fish), fiber (vegetables, beans), and healthy carbohydrates (brown rice, sweet potatoes,
whole grains). No need for fancy ingredients!
Follow the ‘plate method’: Fill half your plate with vegetables, one-quarter with protein,
and one-quarter with whole grains for a balanced meal.
No need for expensive superfoods: While trendy foods like chia seeds or quinoa are
healthy, local alternatives like sesame seeds and brown rice provide similar benefits at a
lower cost.
o Example: Instead of drinking expensive imported almond milk, try fresh soy milk
from local vendors, which is just as nutritious and much cheaper.
🔹 Takeaway: Eating healthy doesn’t have to be overwhelming—small, mindful changes can
make a big difference.
Main Part 3: Utilizing Campus and Community Resources for Affordable Healthy Eating
1. Take Advantage of Campus Food Programs & Resources
Many universities in Vietnam provide food assistance or affordable meal options for students.
Check out:
University canteens: They often offer balanced meals at lower prices compared to
outside restaurants.
Student meal vouchers and subsidies: Some universities provide discounts for students
in need.
Food-sharing groups: Many student organizations or dormitories have food-sharing
initiatives where students can exchange ingredients or share meals.
🔹 Tip: Join university social media groups where students share information about free food
events, budget meal deals, or food pantries.
2. Community and Online Resources
Join local community groups and online forums: Facebook groups, Zalo groups, or
Telegram channels where people share budget-friendly recipes, meal planning tips, and
grocery deals can be very helpful.
Use apps and websites for discounts: Apps like BAEMIN, GrabFood, and ShopeeFood
often have discounts and promotions that can help you save on groceries or meals.
Buy directly from markets instead of supermarkets: Local wet markets often have
fresher and cheaper ingredients compared to large supermarket chains.
🔹 Example: Instead of buying pre-packaged vegetables from a supermarket, go to a local market
early in the morning to get fresher and cheaper produce.
Conclusion
Eating healthy on a budget as a college student in Vietnam is absolutely possible. By choosing
affordable local ingredients, cooking simple meals at home, and making use of campus and
community resources, you can maintain a nutritious diet without overspending. Healthy eating
is not about perfection—it’s about making smart, sustainable choices that fit your lifestyle and
budget.
Final Script:
Introduction:
Good morning, everyone. First of all, allow me thank you all for coming here today to listen to
my presentation. Let me start by introducing myself, my name is Hung. The topic that I’d like to
discuss about is Healthy Eating On A Budget. Now before we start, as a uni student, I think most
of you student have always have this question lingers in your mind. Have you ever feel like
eating healthy is usually just too complicated? Because of that, as a way to save money, you just
usually chose to survive on instant noodle and fast food. Then you’re not alone! But what if I tell
you that you can develop a healthy diet without throwing your money out of the window? And
that’s what I’m going to discuss in this presentation. So, I’ve divide my talk into 3 parts The
Problem of Bad Eating Habits Among College Students, Eating healthy myths and solution
Utilizing Campus Resources and Community Support. Since, we’re tight on schedule today. I
will just discuss about the first part and talk more about those next two part in the next one.
Alright, let’s begin.
As a college student, we all know the college life is busy, like meeting deadlines, do assignments,
and social activities, and so much more. As a result, some students might develop unhealthy
eating habits without even realizing it. One common issue is skipping meals, especially breakfast
and lunch. With tight schedules and early morning classes, students often rush out the door
without eating, thinking they’ll grab something later. But by the time they do, they’re starving,
leading to overeating or grabbing whatever is quickest—even if it’s unhealthy. Skipping meals
not only drains energy and makes it harder to concentrate in class, but it also slows metabolism
and creates an unhealthy cycle of binge eating later in the day.
Another big challenge is the overreliance on fast food and processed snacks. With limited time
and money, grabbing a burger, instant noodles, or a bag of chips seems like the easiest option.
While these foods might be Convenient in the moment, they often lack the nutrients needed to
sustain energy levels throughout the day. Too much processed food can lead to sluggishness,
weight gain, and even long-term health problems. At the same time, many students rely on
sugary coffee drinks, sodas, or energy drinks to stay awake for late-night study sessions. While
caffeine gives a quick boost, the energy crash that follows can leave them feeling even more
exhausted. Too much caffeine and sugar can also lead to dehydration, trouble with sleeping, and
an increased risk of health issues over time.
All of these unhealthy eating patterns may seem harmless in the short term, but they can have a
significant impact on students' well-being in the long-term. Low energy, poor concentration, and
long-term health risks are just a few symptoms, make it harder to perform well academically
and feel good overall. However, the good news is that eating well doesn’t have to be expensive
or time-consuming. In the next week, we’ll explore Eating healthy myths and solution to them
to build a nutritious diet without adding stress to a busy college lifestyle, and also Campus and
community support, to aid us in the journey of developing healthy eating habit.
Main Part 2: Debunking Common Myths About Healthy Eating on a Budget
Myth 1: Eating Healthy Is Expensive
First and foremost, one of the most common misconceptions about healthy eating is that it
requires purchasing expensive organic foods, imported superfoods, or premium brands. While
some health-focused products can be costly, eating nutritious meals doesn’t to be that pricey. In
fact, eating healthy can actually be affordable by choosing local and affordable staple foods such
as rice, beans, tofu, seasonal vegetables, fruits and so on, which are packed with nutrients and
cost much less than processed snacks or fast food. Buying these staples in bulk and taking
advantage of when there are discounts can also help save money, as purchasing grain foods in
larger quantities or when they are on sale can make them last for months. Cooking at home is
also significantly cheaper than eating out. A meal at a street food stall or a fast-food chain might
cost 40,000-70,000 VND per meal, but a home-cooked dish with rice, vegetables, and protein
can cost as little as 20,000-30,000 VND per serving, with leftovers for another day. Instead of
buying fast food like fried chicken and bubble tea, which can easily cost 100,000 VND, cooking a
simple meal like stir-fried vegetables with tofu and rice can be much healthier and more budget-
friendly. Healthy eating is possible on a budget by focusing on affordable local ingredients and
smart meal planning.
Myth 2: Eating Healthy Is Time-Consuming
The second common belief that many students believe that cooking nutritious meals requires a
lot of time and effort. However, healthy meals can be quick and simple with proper planning, by
utilizing meal prepping. As it can save time by allowing students to prepare meals in bulk at the
beginning of the week so they can simply heat and eat during busy days. For example, instead of
preparing every day, students can prepare a batch of rice, boiled eggs, grilled chicken, and stir-
fried vegetables on Sunday and portion them into meals for the week. It is also to note that
simple recipes work best, as there is no need for complicated cooking techniques—quick meals
like stir-fried vegetables, egg fried rice can be made in under 15-20 minutes. And just like that,
you can effectively save time while still can make a healthy meal.
Myth 3: Eating Healthy Is Complicated
Some people think that eating healthy requires strict dieting, counting every calorie, or using
expensive ingredients. In reality, healthy eating is about balance, not perfection. Sticking to the
basics can make a big difference, as a nutritious meal typically consists of protein such as
chicken, tofu, eggs; fiber from vegetables or beans, and healthy carbohydrates like brown rice,
sweet potatoes, or whole grains. There is no need for fancy ingredients or complex meal plans.
You can also try following the ‘plate method’ can simplify meal planning: filling half the plate
with vegetables, one-quarter with protein, and one-quarter with whole grains ensures a
balanced meal. Expensive superfoods are also unnecessary, as local alternatives such as sesame
seeds and brown rice provide similar benefits at a lower cost. Instead of drinking imported
almond milk, for instance, students can opt for fresh soy milk from local vendors, which is just
as nutritious and much cheaper. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be overwhelming—small,
mindful changes can make a big difference.
Main Part 3: Utilizing Campus and Community Resources for Affordable Healthy Eating
1. Take Advantage of Campus Food Programs & Resources
As you may know, Many universities in Vietnam provide food assistance or affordable meal
options for students. University canteens often offer balanced meals at lower prices compared
to outside restaurants. Some universities also provide student meal vouchers and subsidies for
those in need. Food-sharing groups organized by student organizations or dormitories can also
help students exchange ingredients or share meals. It’s a good idea to join university social
media groups where students share information about free food events, budget meal deals, or
food pantries.
2. Community and Online Resources
Joining local community groups and online forums can be helpful for students looking for
budget-friendly recipes, meal planning tips, and grocery deals. Facebook groups, Zalo groups, or
Telegram channels are great places to find such information. Using apps and websites that offer
discounts, such as BAEMIN, GrabFood, and ShopeeFood, can also help students save money on
groceries or meals. Additionally, buying directly from markets instead of supermarkets can lead
to significant savings, as local wet markets often have fresher and cheaper ingredients
compared to large supermarket chains. Instead of buying pre-packaged vegetables from a
supermarket, for example, students can go to a local market early in the morning to get fresher
and cheaper produce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, college students may find it difficult to eat healthily on a tight budget, but it is not
borderline impossible for you to do it. You can make healthy eating a reality even on a limited
budget by comprehending the issue and putting the suggested solutions into practice, such as
meal planning, wise grocery shopping, and making use of the resources available, to further
enhance your life and be successful with your studies. Thanks for listening!
