Eating Healthy On A Tight Budget

Eating Healthy On A Tight Budget

Category: College Corner

Eating Healthy On A Tight Budget Too much month left at the end of your money? Happens every month if you are a student. There’s always junk food or pizza, it’s cheap, convenient, but definitely not a healthy choice.


Are there ways to eat healthy on a tight budget? It may require a little work and planning, but you can find healthy foods at reasonable prices. Start by eating more eggs, beans, frozen vegetables and whole grains. These foods are nutritious, healthy, taste great and are relatively cheap when you buy in bulk. Here are six tips to help you save money and eat well:


  1. Planning and making a list will save money at the grocery store. One day each week, plan your meals for the week and make a grocery list of foods you NEED. At the store, keep your head down to avoid flashy distractions, buy the cheaper store brands, shop the perimeter of the store and stick to your list. Avoid shopping when you are hungry.



  2. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Many grocers have an area in the produce section with marked down fresh fruits and vegetables because they are ripe today (or yesterday). If you like ripe bananas, this is the place to stock up as they are usually half the price. If your favorite fruits or vegetables are out of season or too expensive, buy them frozen, they will be cheaper and just as nutritious.



  3. Buy more, especially if it's on sale. Staples like brown rice, steel cut oats (oatmeal), multigrain pastas, those frozen veggies, canned foods like tuna, chili, tomato sauces or beans are cheaper if you buy larger containers. If your favorite dried, bagged or canned food is on sale, stock up.



  4. Learn to love potatoes. Not French fries, but whole baked potatoes and sweet potato (baked or roasted) fries. Learn how to bake a potato in your microwave and stuff it with veggies. Both potatoes are healthy and inexpensive if you skip the butter and sour cream.



  5. Home cooking. Cooking at home is healthier and cheaper. Cook more than one meal at a time and you’ll have convenient lunches or dinners ready to heat and serve. When you cook at home, you can control the ingredients and choose healthy cooking styles. If you have access to the outdoors, grilling is a tasty and low fat way to prepare meals.



  6. Pool your resources and split the costs. Buy groceries with your roommate or partner and then share the cooking and cleaning chores. Your pooled money will go twice as far. Need a roommate to share food expenses (and rent)? Find your perfect roommate using our FREE roommate database at RoommateLocator.com.


A delicious healthy diet doesn't have to be expensive, focus on finding those affordable, nutrient-dense foods you can enjoy without breaking the bank.