Going off to college for your first time is an overwhelming experience. Chances are up until now your parents have cooked all your dinners and you're clueless on where to start. Well, have no fear, because it's not that intimidating as it may seem! Here are 10 tips to help you avoid gaining the freshman 15!
1. Frozen veggies vs. fresh veggies
Frozen vegetables are significantly cheaper than purchasing fresh vegetables. While also being more affordable, frozen veggies last longer and are proven to have the same amount of nutrients, or more, than fresh vegetables.
2. BOGO chicken
Buying protein on a budget is virtually impossible. Watch your local grocery store for when chicken is buy-one-get-one-free. Then stock up on chicken and store them in the freezer. Pro tip: you can also cut up chicken breasts to make your own chicken nuggets. (Because who doesn't like nugs?)
3. Hydrate or diedrate
This one seems obvious but, DRINK WATER. If you're in between meals and you find yourself to have the munchies drink a full glass of water or two then see if you are still hungry. Chances are you won't be anymore!
4. Utilize your campus gym
A majority of schools have a full campus gym that is FREE for college students and faculty. Sometimes they even have free group fitness classes you can attend. USE IT. Because once you hit the real world gym memberships can get pricey.
5. Meal prep
Meal prepping isn't just for bodybuilders. If you designate a day in your schedule to cook all your meals at once and store them in the fridge, then eating healthy doesn't seem like a hassle or a chore.
6. Add veggies to your ramen
We have all been there, you're tired, broke, and have no time in your schedule to grocery shop or cook a full meal. Grab a bag of frozen veggies like broccoli, peas, or spinach, and add it to your instant ramen. Now you have a quick meal that may not be 100 percent healthy, but at least you are getting your greens in.
7. Keep healthy snacks in stock
When you are feeling the munchies come on while in a late night study session, keeping healthy snacks on hand will keep you focused and full. Some snacks to keep on hand should be trail mix, protein bars (that are low in sugar and additives), hummus, cheese sticks or dried fruit.
8. Store brands vs. name brands
Buying store brands over name brands means saving coin. And a majority of the time it is the same product, just different packaging.
9. Ice cream alternatives
A personal favorite alternative to ice cream is frozen bananas blended with chocolate chips or peanut butter depending on the flavor you prefer. Frozen blended bananas have the same creamy consistency as ice cream and it is just as sweet without any added sugar!
10. Avoid eating out
I know when you read the title of this tip all you could read was, "don't have fun," but hear me out. When a friend suggests eating out you can counter by making food together and staying in. Cooking dinner with friends is a great way to get everyone involved to eat decently healthy while having fun and bonding with roommates or dorm neighbors. And not only do you get the benefit of eating healthy, you save money too!
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