For many college and university students, maintaining a healthy diet on a budget is a juggle. With classes and other academic and social responsibilities, it is easy to fall into the habit of unhealthy eating.
Below are some tips on how to bring balance and affordability to your diet options
Campus Meal Plan
If you are on your school’s campus meal plan, you are already one step ahead in saving money on food. The real challenge comes in selecting the type and amount of food you should eat. Even though the upside of the meal plan is saving funds, the downside is that you have so many options that you risk the chance of overeating. So when you are dining in, try to choose grilled chicken instead of fried chicken, get to know the salad bar and fruit stand, add cooked veggies to your plate and remember to eat in healthy proportions.
Late Night Bites
Pulling an all-nighter or staying up really late to prepare for classes or a test is experienced by all college students. While burning the midnight oil, keep healthy snacks close by as it is likely you will become hungry. Say no to the chips and cookies and embrace the fruits and nuts. These are usually much healthier and still affordable.
Caffeine Break
Coffee and other caffeinated drinks are the quick go to source for energy bursts that help students make it through their day. Imagine how much money you would save if you cut down on the number of coffee or soda you purchase and put that towards getting a healthy meal that will be beneficial to your body in the long run. While it is almost impossible to stay away from coffee, it is good to scale back on how much you drink to wean your body of its dependency.
DIY Dinner Night
If you do not have the convenience of a campus meal plan but you do have access to cooking your meals, take advantage of this. By creating your own breakfast, lunch or dinner, you have control over the ingredients you put into your meal and how much you want to make. Plus it is a great learning experience to budget for grocery and deciding on what you need versus what you want.
Below are some tips on how to bring balance and affordability to your diet options
Campus Meal Plan
If you are on your school’s campus meal plan, you are already one step ahead in saving money on food. The real challenge comes in selecting the type and amount of food you should eat. Even though the upside of the meal plan is saving funds, the downside is that you have so many options that you risk the chance of overeating. So when you are dining in, try to choose grilled chicken instead of fried chicken, get to know the salad bar and fruit stand, add cooked veggies to your plate and remember to eat in healthy proportions.
Late Night Bites
Pulling an all-nighter or staying up really late to prepare for classes or a test is experienced by all college students. While burning the midnight oil, keep healthy snacks close by as it is likely you will become hungry. Say no to the chips and cookies and embrace the fruits and nuts. These are usually much healthier and still affordable.
Caffeine Break
Coffee and other caffeinated drinks are the quick go to source for energy bursts that help students make it through their day. Imagine how much money you would save if you cut down on the number of coffee or soda you purchase and put that towards getting a healthy meal that will be beneficial to your body in the long run. While it is almost impossible to stay away from coffee, it is good to scale back on how much you drink to wean your body of its dependency.
DIY Dinner Night
If you do not have the convenience of a campus meal plan but you do have access to cooking your meals, take advantage of this. By creating your own breakfast, lunch or dinner, you have control over the ingredients you put into your meal and how much you want to make. Plus it is a great learning experience to budget for grocery and deciding on what you need versus what you want.
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