With the rise in food prices, getting in a nutritious meal can be difficult, especially for a college student living away from home. Fortunately for us and contrary to popular belief, cheap eats aren’t necessarily unhealthy or expensive.
1. Buy whole foods – Avoid anything that comes from a box. Not only are unprocessed foods tastier and more nutritious, but they’re easier on your pockets.
2. Buy cheap proteins — Build and maintain fat burning muscle with affordable proteins like eggs (7g protein/egg), whey (24g protein/30g serving), tuna (40g protein/can), frozen chicken breast (25g/4oz), and cottage cheese (12g protein/100g).
3. Buy frozen fruits and veggies – There are few things worse than stocking up on fresh fruits and veggies only to watch them melt and mold within days of purchase. Frozen goods have an infinite shelf date (when stored properly). Not to mention, they are nearly half the cost of fresh goods.
4. Don’t get caught up on brand names – Try generic brands for raw foods like rice, pasta, eggs, milk, beans, frozen fruits and veggies. Not only do they (usually) contain the same ingredients and taste great — they’ll save you money on packaging and catchy advertising.
5. Buy in bulk – Take advantage of promotions by stocking up on healthy carbs like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and oats that are easy to store and have a great shelf life!
6. Only buy in season fruits and veggies — Food grown in season tastes better and is much more affordable. During the fall/winter, try apples and squash. Meanwhile, broccoli and fresh berries are great picks for the warmer months.
7. Buy discounted meat — Grocery stores often discount meats by up to 70% as they approach expiration date. Buy several pounds and store in your freezer.
8. Check out local farmer’s markets – Not only are you supporting local businesses, but you’ll get tastier, better quality food.
9. Scroll your paper for coupons — Investing $1 (Dollar Store) on a Sunday paper can save you hundreds of dollars a year on goods. For coupon codes, try sites like RetailMeNot.com.
10. Make a list and stick to it — Plan your meals – including portion size, for the next 7 to 14 days. Then, get in and get out. Also, avoid shopping with your spouse or kids. This prevents peer pressure purchases aka impulse buying.
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