I know what you might be thinking. There is no way to save money while eating healthy. As a college student I won’t lie when I say I have given in to the occasional Whataburger meal and the fast and delicious Jimmy Johns sandwich. Don't even get me started on the $5 hot-and-ready pizzas from Little Caesars.
"It's just easier" they say.
It is so easy for us as young adults to give in to fast food and microwavable meals because campus life can consume us. Many will say there is no time to stop and actually cook a meal due to studying for classes, attending club/organization meetings, and working to earn money for rent all while going out and being social to get the most out of our college experiences.
I can speak from recent personal experience. When I started eating healthier I went two weeks without eating take out and junk food, and admit it felt like torture. Looking back on how much I enjoyed the copious amounts of snacks and eating out before, I realize now that I was doing my body more harm than good.
Here are some tips I can offer to those reading that have worked well for me.
Research simple recipes.
There are several websites out there that offer lots of easy recipes. One of my favorite websites that I HIGHLY recommend looking at is called Budget Bytes. Not only do they have a a great variety of recipes, including vegetarian and gluten-free, but they include the price of each ingredient and the total price of that meal to make budgeting easier for those using the site.
Eat before you go grocery shopping.
Having a good meal before making that trip to the store will keep from major impulse buying. You will feel much less tempted to buy all the frozen pizzas on a full stomach.
Make a list and stick to it.
Creating a list of what you really need and not straying to other items can help keep focus. For example, as someone who recently became of legal drinking age, it is easy to get distracted by the beer and wine aisle and forget what groceries even mean anymore. STAY WITH YOUR LIST!
Snacks can be healthy too!
Gently put the Doritos away and pick up a bag of carrots, an apple, or even bake some kale chips. Produce, especially those in season, can come out to be cheaper than a bag of your favorite chips and are just as quick and easy. Pita chips, granola, and pretzels are also a healthy and cheaper alternative!
Include meals into your schedule.
Being a full-time student, staying continuously involved with Greek life, and working as a student event planner for my university's programming board each and every day keeps me very busy. No matter what your schedule may entail, plan your meals accordingly with your schedule so that you can stay nourished while keeping up responsibilities. What ever works best for you will work for your health too!
If you do eat out...
Narrow those visits to once a week, twice a week max. It IS possible, I promise you! Many restaurants like Panera and Chipotle offer many healthy options at affordable prices so that anyone can enjoy a meal for less than $8.
Hopefully some of my tips have given you courage to eat better and save money!
Those of you still doubting, I assure you.....
