Eating healthy can sometimes be a difficult task because it can be both expensive and time-consuming. However, there are many ways for you to still eat healthy on a budget with time-constraints. The key is planning, planning, and some more planning!
Here are some tips and tricks to eat healthy while on-the-go:
1) Buy in bulk
If you have access to a Costco, Sam’s Club, or even Amazon Prime, consider shopping in bulk and ordering more granola bars, crackers, and other healthy snacks this way. Usually, you get more bang for your buck and can stretch your dollar much better. Also, you can store them under your bed if you run out of room! We recommend individually-wrapped packets of nuts, nut butter, or trail mix, granola bars, single-serve oatmeal packets, whole grain crackers, and even unsweetened apple sauce!
2) Make it the night ahead.
If you are wanting to make your own snack, consider preparing it the night before and storing it in the fridge either for the next day or later in the week. Things like overnight oats, chopped veggies and hummus, and cheese and nut boxes last well in the fridge. If you have time on the weekend, try and put together some healthy snacks for the week ahead so you can grab them throughout the week.
3) Ask for discounts!
Sometimes, grocery stores or companies will offer student discounts! Be sure you ask. There is no harm in asking, afterall. Might end up saying a cent or two, and they add up.
4) Share with a roommate.
If you have a good roommate situation, consider taking turns buying the snacks for the apartment/dorm room to save money throughout the semester. Whether it’s from Amazon or Trader Joe’s, this is a sure fire way to save some cash and also get a variety of snacks.
5) Consider purchasing snacks at a farmer’s market.
It might sound like it would be more expensive, but a lot of times, breads, crackers, and produce you can find at a farmer’s market that is close to you are less expensive (and more fresh!) than what you can find in the grocery store. If you have a market near you, check it out. You might be surprised! We recommend checking out Union Square’s Farmer’s Market, which happens multiple days per week and is located a quick walk from campus.