We are all aware of the benefits of eating a healthy diet, things you hear all the time like a stronger immune system, more energy, etc. But did you know eating a healthy diet can also benefit both your mental health and your academic performance? The problem for some of us as students; however, is that healthy eating on a student budget might seem a little difficult. Here are 4 tips to make it easier:
Plan Your Meals for the Week
To save both time and money, plan ahead. Think ahead of time; what will be your lunch on Tuesday? Your dinner on Thursday? By planning ahead, you can be more efficient with where you spend your money, because you will be able to buy only what you need, and you will also be able to avoid going for the quick fix of buying out, which is usually more expensive and often less healthy. Of course, planning every bite that goes into your mouth is unrealistic, and unnecessary; just make sure to plan the biggest meals of the day.
Make a Grocery List and Stick to It
This goes hand-in-hand with planning ahead. Before you head out, survey what you have and what you need. For healthy eating, a good general rule is to stick to the perimeter of the grocery store, which has whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat. Avoid the middle aisles where most processed and junk foods reside. A tip to help you stick to your list is to not shop while you are hungry, because shopping hungry can result in cravings for things that are not on your list.
Find the Store with the Best Prices for Your List
Speaking of that grocery list you made, make sure to check your area for the grocery store that has the best prices for YOUR list. We all have different grocery lists, so prices will vary for each of us. This obviously works much better if your list is largely regular from week to week, because then you won’t find yourself scouring different stores every week.
Cook More at Home
This is also supported by tip #1- planning your meals. If you plan ahead, you can cook ahead. For example, many people find success in preparing their big meals for the week on Sunday. This saves you time throughout the week, and saves you money because you won’t be forced to eat out (which is more expensive) because there is nothing to eat at home.
Try out these tips, not only for your health, but for your budget.