Financially life as a student can be a tricky time. But is it possible to be on a tight budget and still get the right nutrition to build muscle?
Yes it is possible, here's how:
Protein
One of the biggest problems facing students trying to build muscle is taking in enough protein throughout the day. Especially in catered halls the low quality meats do not provide enough protein to keep your body growing. How can you deal with this? 
TUNA
An absolute godsend for students trying to build muscle, the average can of tuna contains 23.5g of protein per 100g. Knocking back 2 cans a day will put you well on the way to consuming your goal of 1g of protein per kg bodyweight. Whilst providing high quality lean protein, tuna can be purchased from all supermarkets at an extremely low price. 
EGGS
An egg has an average of about 6g of protein, obviously this varies with the size. Eggs are great to have for breakfast and a lot of catered univerisites provide eggs at breakfast, so get as many in as you are allowed! For self-catered students who are not too bothered about the lifestyle of the chicken the egg has come from, value eggs can be bought at a rediculously low price.
An example diet for a student building muscle:
An example diet for a student building muscle:
Breakfast
- 2 scrambled eggs, 2 pieces of toast & 1 glass of fruit juice
Mid-morning Snack
- 1 or 2 portions of fruit (apple/banana/orange)
Lunch
- 1 Meat Serving (If the canteen is serving breasted chicken/steak go for that instead of a meaty sauce or a dish with meat mixed into it)- Large serving of pasta/rice/a baked potato
- 150-200g low fat yoghurt
2. Whole Eggs. 6g protein/egg.
3. Whey. 1 scoop has about 24g protein/30g serving.
4. Ground Beef. 25g protein/100g. Try go for lean beef to reduce fat gains.
5. Milk. 30g protein/liter milk.
6. Frozen Chicken Breast. 25g protein/100g.
7. Cottage Cheese. 12g protein/100g.
8. Ground Turkey. 25g protein/100g.
9. Canned Mackerel. 23g protein/100g. Canned mackerel is high in omega-3.
10. Calves Liver. 20g protein/100g. Low fat and nutrient dense.
Mid-afternoon Snack
- 2 slices wholegrain toast with cottage cheese
Evening meal
- Serving of meat
- Smaller serving of pasta/rice/baked potato
- A mixed leaf salad
- Small desert (once every 3 days)
- 1 portion of fruit
Cheapest Sources of Protein
1. Canned Tuna. 40g protein/can. Buy tuna in spring water or brine.
2. Whole Eggs. 6g protein/egg.
3. Whey. 1 scoop has about 24g protein/30g serving.
4. Ground Beef. 25g protein/100g. Try go for lean beef to reduce fat gains.
5. Milk. 30g protein/liter milk.
6. Frozen Chicken Breast. 25g protein/100g.
7. Cottage Cheese. 12g protein/100g.
8. Ground Turkey. 25g protein/100g.
9. Canned Mackerel. 23g protein/100g. Canned mackerel is high in omega-3.
10. Calves Liver. 20g protein/100g. Low fat and nutrient dense.
