5 Simple Ways for College Students to Eat Right, Spend Right
College is viewed by many adults to be the golden years of life. It’s the time when young people get to live on their own for the first time, learn new things, and discover who they are. But it’s not without challenge—in a world when higher education costs are rocketing and jobs are hard to find, a growing problem among college students is finding a way to eat well without breaking the bank. It can be a tough balance to strike, but here are a few tips from students and recent graduates that can help you keep your stomach and your wallet in happy places.
1. Cook at home.
Sure, you can make a hundred excuses not to cook at home—you’re too busy with classes, you can’t be trusted around knives, you haven’t gone grocery shopping in ages—but chances are you can find a way. If it means skipping that miles-long Starbucks line to get a head start on a good dinner instead, then it’s probably worth it.
Of course, not all students have full kitchens, but if you do, then make use of it. Cooking can seem daunting at first, but simple recipes can make even the most beginner cooks seem like a pro. And even with more complicated recipes, chances are if you get all the ingredients into your dish, it’ll taste just fine. Local groceries and farmer’s markets are bound to have ingredients a tad cheaper than Whole Foods, too, so you don’t have to empty your wallet to cook on your own.
2. Snack healthy.
Not everything you eat has to be a perfectly balanced meal. In fact, many college students prefer to eat several smaller snacks a day instead of two or three bigger meals. But when you do, make sure you’re not always reaching for that bag of Doritos. While a little indulgence is okay once in a while, making a habit out of it can lead to an unhealthy, downright unfortunate lifestyle.
Popcorn, fruits and veggies, and hummus are just a few suggestions on a long list of foods that will keep you fueled for your busy days without filling up your calorie count. Plus, you can usually stock up on these snacks in bulk, which ends up being cheaper than buying something small from the Duane Reade down the street every time you get the munchies.
3. Use your meal plan.
Once again, not every student has one of these. But if you do, take advantage of it! Not all dining halls have the healthiest options, but it beats going to McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts for ten meals in your week. Many students find they have a lot of prepaid meals left over at the end of a semester, so if you aren’t one of the lucky ones, find a buddy who can treat you! The end of the semester is the best time to make friends for everyone involved.
4. Don’t skimp on breakfast.
Even though many students stick to just two meals a day, there’s a reason people say breakfast is the most important one. Studies show that having food in the morning can help your body regulate its food distribution better, giving it more nutrients to process and something to tide it over until you get through your morning. Breakfast can even help you lose body fat!
It does take a while to get used to eating breakfast, if it’s not normal for you. Many people find that eating earlier than they’re used to makes them nauseous, or unable to process the food. But if you start with something small, like a granola bar, you’re already improving your health and mental stamina by miles. And buying cereal, bread, or bagels in larger quantities can cut down the cost of that extra meal, while also helping you snack less throughout the day.
5. Keep the balance.
At the end of the day, everyone’s dietary and budgeting needs are different. Keep an eye on the kind of food you eat, how much of it you’re eating, and how much you spend on it. With these three main factors in mind, you should be able to make informed decisions on your food. Don’t forget—a little cheating here and there is okay, as long as you keep yourself in check! You can never avoid unhealthy things completely, so maintaining a proper balance is the most important part, for your stomach and your wallet.
















