How to Eat Smart in College Without Breaking the Bank !

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Understanding the Importance of Nutrition

It is important to feed your body with ample nutrition, even on a budget. You should try to eat a good variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean sources of protein. By incorporating these groups into every meal, you can be assured that you are getting the best nutrition.

Planning Your Meals is Key to Saving Money and Eating Healthy

Many college students fall into the ‘eating on the go’ trap. Because of limited time, they often stop for fast foods or snack throughout the day. Instead of eating unhealthy junk foods and fast foods, you can plan ahead and save money and calories at the same time.

1. Check your pantry, fridge, and freezer – This sounds so simple, but many people forget to check for what they already have before they leave for the store. They end up buying items that they already had on hand, wasting their money.

2. Make a list of what you have – By listing the items that you already have, you can better plan your meals for the week. Try thinking of different ways that you can use the items you have to create healthy meals that are filling and low in cost.

3. Check your local grocery store ads – By checking the ads before you leave, you can see what is on sale and compare that against what you have at home to plan appropriately.

4. Plan a full week of meals – Using items that are on sale at your local store and what you already have, come up with a full week of meal planning. By planning ahead, you can make sure that each meal is complete and healthy and this will help you to save money.

Tips for Eating Healthy While Saving

* Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season.

* Buy canned fruits in juice to save in off-season.

* Choose whole grain rice that is not instant.

* Frozen vegetables are cheaper and just as nutritious.

* Beans are an inexpensive source of protein.

* Family packages of meat are often cheaper and can be broken up into smaller portions.

* Cut your own cheeses instead of buying shredded or sliced.

* Avoid bagged vegetables and salads and cut them on your own.

* Do not go to the grocery store while you are hungry, as you will buy more foods and overspend.

* Repurpose your leftovers to make new meals, instead of throwing out the food.

By following these tips, you can eat healthy and save money throughout your college years. There is no reason to waste your money on fast food and machine snacks that destroy your health and offer very little nutrition. By planning wisely and making careful choices, you can eat healthy meals throughout the day and save money at the same time.

Jan Sparett is a writer who enjoys writing on a variety of different topics to challenge her readers. She has been a professional writer for over 15 years, and a frequent contributor to DegreeJungle.com, a research site for college students and their families. An avid sports fan, in her free time Jan enjoys going to football games with her husband Tom and their two wonderful boys.

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