We all know how difficult it can be to eat healthy in college, and at the same time, not break the bank on groceries every week. Gaining unwanted weight is easy to do in college, especially when Cookout trays are only a few dollars out of your pocket. It can be a real challenge to eat healthy sometimes, especially when you’re on a budget. So here are some simple budget- friendly alternative snack and meal ideas to help you stay on the right track during your college career.
1. Drink lots of water.
I love sweet tea and soda as much as the next person, but some drinks can hold almost as many calories as a meal and are loaded in sugar. Not to mention, drinks also cost at least $2.50 or more at most restaurants and dining halls. Try drinking water at lunch and dinner, and throughout the day. Your body and wallet will thank you.
2. Instead of cookies:
Instead of snacking on cookies, try eating fruit to get your sweet fix. Now, I know the fresh fruit from Earth Fare and other trendy markets can get really expensive, really quick. But no worries! Most grocery stores sell huge bags of frozen fruit that you can throw in a container and have all day to munch on instead of Oreos or Chips Ahoy cookies. These bags of fruit are only a couple dollars, and will last much longer than the two sleeves of cookies you get for the same price.
3. Instead of chips:
Instead of buying bags of potato chips to snack on, try buying cans of almonds or mixed nuts. Nuts are significantly lower in calories and sodium than chips, and they are just about the same in price! Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fat and fiber and can reduce the risk of diabetes and decrease body weight. You could munch on these by themselves during the day, or even add to a bowl of oatmeal or a salad.
4. Head for the salad bar.
Living on campus for the past two and a half years, I have learned that you really can’t go wrong with the salad bar at on-campus dining halls. If you’re on campus for lunch, avoid the mac-and-cheese, pizza, and cheeseburgers, and make yourself a salad that is cheaper and much healthier! The salad bars on campus are full of fresh vegetables that will fill you up, and keep you going strong throughout the rest of your day. Just remember to be conscious of how much dressing you are using!
I know from experience that it can be tricky to eat healthy on a budget, but with a little self-discipline and patience, it becomes a lot easier. Take your time when grocery shopping and you will find plenty of healthy alternatives!