Eating Healthy on a Budget

Moving away from home for the first time can be extremely difficult. We have so many things going on, that eating healthy is probably the last thing that is on our college-kid minds. Not to mention, there is an unlimited amount of unhealthy options available in college. Ordering pizza every night or grabbing a snack from the vending machine on the way to class may be quick and easy, but it could also lead to the infamous "freshman 15" and can also break the bank. However with a little planning, eating healthy during college can be affordable and convenient. 

On the go or in between classes? Instead of heading to the vending machine for a snack, pack some healthy snack options in your backpack. Pack a few different items to choose from, that way you have some options to choose from. If you live in housing that provides a meal plan, grab an extra piece of fruit at breakfast to carry with you through out the day. If your dining hall allows this, it is an easy, affordable way to keep fresh fruit on hand. Other budget friendly snack items might include granola bars, yogurt, nuts or string cheese.

In your dorm/in your apartment...

Although Ramen noodles and boxes of macaroni and cheese are easy to prepare and are considered affordable staples in a college students diet, they shouldn't be your main meals. Sure, it's okay to eat these common dorm foods every once in a while, but they don't provide you with enough nutrition to be your lunch and dinner every day. It is a good idea to keep a variety or more nutritious foods on hand in your dorm. A few good options include: carrots, fresh fruit, oatmeal, sandwich bread, deli meat, peanut butter, pre-cooked grilled chicken breast, brown rice, canned tuna and milk just to name a few. Eating healthier can also help prevent illness; something that is so easily transmitted in a scene such as college dorms.

All nighter? Pulling an all-nighter is exhausting but by properly fueling your body, you may be able to keep your energy levels up for a night full of studying. It might be tempting to go grab the entire carton of ice cream or order an entire pizza for yourself but you would benefit much more from a snack that will provide your with substantial energy, such as popcorn, trail mix or even a bowl of cereal. This will also save you money in addition to providing you will essential nutrients to help you stay focused.

Now I did just write an entire blog about how to eat "healthy" in college but this is just to add some healthy aspects into your diet. The overall healthiest diet, is one of balance. There will be some nights when you want to order Chinese food or pizza, or eat one too many cookies. There is no shame in that. Your body needs variety and after all we are college kids!