// THERE'S GOTTA BE MORE THAN MAC AND CHEESE

You can eat well while you're on a budget — even if you're not a great cook. Seriously.

• Keep it simple. Easy favourites are often the most satisfying, as well as the simplest to make. Try tuna melts, pasta with sauce, pita pizzas. Graduate to stir fries and vegetarian chili.
• Be inclusive. Try to work all the food groups into your daily diet. Quick refresher: grains and cereals, milk and dairy, fruit and vegetables, meat and substitutes.
• Eat your fruit and veg. No one's making you, but you'll feel better if you do. It's easier if you just focus on the ones you enjoy. Drink a glass of OJ each day. Go to the salad bar for lunch. Add some lettuce and tomato to your sandwich.
• Eat on the cheap. A tight budget needn't condemn you to years of reconstituted foods. Try eating more vegetarian dishes made with inexpensive protein like beans, legumes or tofu instead of meat. Choose produce that's in season. Buy staples like sugar, flour and spices in bulk.
• Don't buy what you don't like. Time to face facts: if you hate squash, that big gourd is going to sit in the fridge until it shrivels up.
• Make snacks count. Bonus points for choosing snacks that are delicious and nutritious. Think low-fat granola, trail mix, low-fat yogurt, baby carrots.
• Share. If you have roommates, take turns cooking dinner. It's less work overall, and you'll get a night or two off. And, if you eat together, you can make it a social event, too.
• Think big. Whip up big batches of chili, veggie soups or casseroles to keep you going all week, or freeze some for later.
• Get inspired. School years are often about exploration. Surf the web for recipes or tune into the Food Network and take notes. Then try out your creations on your friends.