Healthy Eating on a (College) Budget
- marlowe overocker
- Aug 21, 2021
- 3 min read
If you're looking for ways to save time and money without compromising a healthy balanced diet - look no further! As a senior in college, I have experienced the struggle of balancing a busy schedule and healthy eating. So I am going to teach you some tips I have picked up a long the way!! I have used these tips outside of campus life as well - so if you're not in college these tips are still applicable in whatever stage of life you are in!
Take a look, take what you need + make healthy living easier (and cheaper!) for yourself :)
P.S. after checking out these tips visit my IG @grow.with.lowe to save some quick + healthy recipes! Scroll to the bottom of this post to click the link to my IG.
Tip #1: Buy produce in season. Fruits and veggies are on sale when they are in season! This tip has saved me so much money. I know the produce aisle (especially fruits like berries) can be so expensive. Don't write them off, try whatever fruit is on sale you may like it and it will bring a variety of nutrients into your diet!
Tip #2: Don't overpay for convenience. That $8 prepackaged salad, is NOT worth it. Buy ingredients and make it yourself; it is much cheaper and will last you wayyy longer. Not to mention, you can control the portions.This will save you calories, especially by ditching the unhealthy dressing that comes with (that you would have overlooked). Prep the salad and put it in a mason jar or container as soon as you get home. It is perfect to grab for lunch on the go - do NOT pour the dressing on the salad it will get soggy, instead put it in a tiny container to take with you.
Tip #3: Check out local farmers markets. Google to see if there are any markets near your area. Make shopping fun by interacting with people at markets and supporting local. There are some great deals on produce as well.
Tip #4: To piggyback off of tip #3, make grocery shopping a fun errand by inviting a friend to come along. You can help each other find deals, new food ideas, and have fun together.
Tip #5: Download your local grocery store app. There are usually rewards or coupons available on apps. You can stay up to date on upcoming deals so you can plan accordingly to save on your next grocery trip. Clip the coupons beforehand and pick your groceries up curbside. Another option is to plan + write out your list in your phone notes - write it in order of your grocery store to save time so you can grab everything you need and check out with ease!
Tips for incoming freshman:
Since there is not much room in the dorms, if possible, get a mini fridge and baskets to fill with healthy grab and go snacks.
fridge foods: apple sauce, greek yogurt, fruit/veggies, lunch meat, cheese, condiments for sandwiches
"pantry"/basket foods: protein bars, oats, single serve minute rice, bread for sandwiches
if you have a freezer you can store:
frozen veggies that you can steam in the microwave
frozen meat/veggie patties - I love morning star veggie patties!
frozen fruit for smoothies/toppings on oats/etc. - there are portable blenders on amazon that are single serve, perfect for saving room + money.
Having a meal plan if a great resource to save on food but be mindful of how you choose to spend it. You will be tempted to eat Chick-fil-a for every meal LOL. Grab food from the cafeteria when possible, they usually have more healthy options. Also use your dining dollars to grab healthy snacks/groceries on campus. Having a couple healthy staples on hand will save your time, money and goals.
If you made it this far, thank you for reading!! I hope you found this post helpful + let me know what your favorite tip is.
I leave you with this reminder:
Give yourself some grace during transitional periods; your diet is not going to be perfect but you WILL find a balance that works for you. Adjusting to a new schedule takes work. Finding new habits + building on previous habits will get you on track. It will get easier with time because you have created processes that serve you. Once you figure out working system, it becomes routine. You got this!!
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