Eating well on the campus meal plan can be very difficult at times. Cheesesteaks, fried chicken, french fries and cakes saturate the dining halls, making it extremely hard to stay on track. Even when you’re resisting the temptations, the Student Center salads get old if they haven’t already.
However, for those who are willing to spend a few Diamond Dollars, Fresh Grocer provides many ingredients and foods for maintaining a clean and healthy diet.
Before going on a nutritious shopping spree at Fresh Grocer, sign up for the customer discount card. ShopRite recently bought out Fresh Grocer, so not only does Temple’s local grocery contain ShopRite-brand products, but it also utilizes ShopRite’s Price Plus card. When signing up, you’ll be able to get savings on not just ShopRite products, but other brands as well. The best part? It’s entirely free!
It’s a no-brainer that including fruits and vegetables in your diet is important for one’s well-being. Unfortunately, it seems that the only fruit you can acquire with your meal plan are bananas, oranges and red apples. On the other hand, as soon as you step into Fresh Grocer you’re greeted by multiple kinds and varieties of fruit. Time is precious at college, so it’s great that you can find pre-cut pineapple, cantaloupe, berry mixes and mixed vegetables in the “Fresh Hoagie” section. Large $2.99 strawberry, blueberry, granola and yogurt parfait cups can be found here as well.
Protein-rich diets not only boost energy levels, but an also aid in weight loss. Take a stroll down aisle two for the quickest protein fix. Fresh Grocer has brand-name protein bars like Luna Bars, Kind Bars, Power Bars and Cliff Bars. There are specific bars that are helpful in fueling either your brain or body, whether you need to get through an exam or work out at the IBC. Price Plus card members can buy Kind Bars at two for $4.00.
Sandwiches, if made correctly, can be a healthy staple in your diet. Hillshire Farm sliced turkey breast and ShopRite whole wheat bread are ingredients that can help build a filling, nutritious, wholesome lunch or dinner. Throw on some Borden fat-free cheese (found in aisle 14) on your creation for a better alternative than full-fat cheese, while still satisfying the craving.
Avoid the Doritos and Lay’s Potato Chips on aisle 11, and focus your eyes on the Skinny Pop. With only 39 calories per cup, Skinny Pop popcorn is a great, guiltless snack food. Along with Skinny Pop, healthy snack foods like nuts and granola bars are found on aisle 11.
Keeping your body in shape and healthy can be easily done with food that can be purchased at Fresh Grocer. Its products are constantly changing, especially with the recent purchase of the supermarket by ShopRite, so certain foods might come and go. But healthy and wholesome food will always be just a few steps away.