College students are known for a sordid diet of ramen and delivered pizza. And we get it: Being on a budget hardly allows for filet mignon and crème brûlée as dinner options. But, believe it or not, eating healthy and tasty can be done on limited funds. Check out these tips to see how.
Plan
Before heading out to the grocery store, make a list. Browsing aisles of unplanned food can easily lead to temptation. Cut trips to the snack machine, and make your own munchies. Ziploc bags allow you to limit how much you eat. And instead of salty chips, try rice cakes. They have a crunch factor, contain a lot less salt and come in a variety of flavors.
Also, limit dining out. Oftentimes, restaurant portions are double the norm and are cooked heavily in oil and in salt. Before receiving the meal, ask for a to-go box and pack away half before digging in. Dining out regularly adds up to hundreds of dollars a month — a supply of groceries for nearly two months.
Shop
Instead of shopping at supermarkets, try visiting a local farmers market, such as Union Street Farmers Market in downtown Gainesville. Find fresh produce in bulk, which is sold for a lower price.
If that’s inaccessible, try early-morning shopping, when grocery stores are the least crowded and buy-one-get-one free racks are in full supply. Shop on the periphery of the store, where you will find healthier foods such as meats, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. Buying frozen vegetables can be as healthy, if not healthier, than buying raw vegetables. They’re frozen at the peak of freshness and often on sale. Though cheap, stay away from TV dinners, as they’re processed and packed with salt.
Make Changes
The latest trend in eating healthy, thrifty meals is vegetable and herb gardening. Mint, parsley, basil and garlic are low maintenance and add flavor to any meal.
Also, converting from white grain to whole wheat is an easy change to make. It’s generally the same price as white grain, is packed with nutrients and, for some, has tons more flavor.
