As a college student, I've had to learn very quickly how to get food in the cheapest way possible because -- like any other college kid today -- I'm broke as a joke. However, cheap food a lot of times equates to convenience which usually equates to junk. The type of stuff I was eating for the sake of saving a few pennies was unhealthy and seriously icky. But I thought to myself, "There has to be a better way!" Low and behold, I was right. With a little investigation work, a few hectic trips to the grocery store, and some failed Pinterest recipes I have perfected some awesome ways to eat great on a budget.

First things first, get a free grocery store membership of some sort. You can get so many deals without paying a penny. In fact, just the other day while grocery shopping I got a deal with my fresh perks card for buy one, get one free loaf of bread. Since my boyfriend and I prefer different kinds of sandwich bread this was a complete steal. And contrary to popular belief, great deals on produce and organic products do exist. Additionally, it's great for planning ahead as well because you can sift through weekly deals and tailor your meals around what is going to be on sale for your membership. Who doesn't like a good ol' discount?

Playing off of that tip, another great way to combat extra spending and remain conscious about what you're eating is to plan, plan, plan. Every week I search through Pinterest to find healthy recipes that I can make with the products I find on sale. Using a grocery list app on my phone I make a list of exactly what I need for those meals for the week in addition to whatever necessities I'm running low on; no extra cookies or cheesy puffs invited. When I shop directly off that list I can combat both extra spending and impulsive junk food buys. Win-win situation right there.

This next tip was one my blessed meat and potatoes heart had a hard time adjusting to -- meatless meals. My fellow Wisconsinites, before you exit this article and chomp into a venison stick out of spite, hear me out. Meat is expensive. Have you ever actually paid attention to how much of your grocery bill is meat? A pound of hamburger here, a couple chicken breasts there and sooner or later $30-$40 of your bill is being spent on meat. It adds up quick but isn't all that necessary. It really is easy to make meals without any meat if you do a little internet search. Start with a meatless Monday for a lighter commitment, then eventually work yourself up to only doing two meat barring meals a week. It will save you a pretty penny and cutting back on meat means a leaner diet while still getting all your necessary nutrients and essential amino acids.

Lastly, while you're avoiding the meat freezer meander on over to the produce and save some Benjamin's. There is a huge misconception in this country that produce is pricey. I beg to differ. When you look at the value of the amount of food you are getting when you buy produce it's really quite affordable. We've been roped in by companies who preach convenience for boxed meals like hamburger helper or taco kits. But we don't realize the amount we pay for a box full of artificial preservatives could be better spent on enough spinach for two meals or a carton of tomatoes to use for both lunches and dinners for the entire week. Just because the commercial claims you can feed your family quick and on a budget with the boxed meal doesn't mean you should. And what's also great is fruits and veggies are usually more filling than processed meals, meaning you'll eat less but feel fuller. So, put down the cheeseburger macaroni and pick up a bushel of kale, my friend.

Eating fulfilling, healthy meals on a budget is absolutely possible. It's a bit of a learning curve, so don't be discouraged if your first trip is a bear. With planning and conscientious shopping you'll be making fresh, Instagram-worthy meals in no time!