Let’s face it eating healthy is hard! The food is more expensive and weekly grocery shopping can put a lot of stress on your budget, if not done carefully. However, if you are able to stick to a plan, eating healthy may not be as difficult as first thought. So, how can we eat healthy without putting stress on our budget? Here are a few tips that can help you eat healthy and stay on budget.
- Plan your meals: Once a week set aside time where you plan your meals for the upcoming week. During this time make a grocery list of everything you need to prepare those meals. Before you leave for the store scan your fridge and pantry for items you already have. If you notice you have food that is about to expire, try and plan meals around those items. Purchase only what you have on the list.
- Cook in large portions and save the leftovers: Cooking is time consuming. As college students you are always on the go and it is difficult to set aside an hour each day to cook. It is much easier to go to the nearest fast-food joint. Instead of cooking every day and/or getting fast food, choose to cook large meals only three times a week. You can save the leftovers and if you make more than what you initially hoped for you can freeze it. This way the food stays fresh for longer periods of time.
- Never shop hungry: While shopping hungry you are more likely to stray from your grocery list. If you find yourself hungry before you go shopping eat a piece of fruit, some veggies, or any other nutritious snack before you go to the store.
- Buy generic or store brands: These brands are less expensive, than the name brands. However, you may be wondering is this food safe to eat? The answer is yes, all food manufacturers have to follow standards to provide safe food. If you are really questioning the food quality read the ingredients list and check expiration dates.
- Avoid buying processed foods and drinks: While these foods/drinks may satisfy your craving they are bad for you and tend to be more expensive than initially perceived. They also lack beneficial nutrients. By avoiding these foods you can spend more on higher quality, nutrient-rich foods.
Budgeting your meals is important, and having healthy food is just as important. This task of staying on budget and eating healthy may seem daunting, but if you are able to stick to your plan this daunting task will diminish. As a reminder all K-State students have access to Cats’ Cupboard, KSU’s campus food pantry. The pantry is located in 009 Fairchild Hall and more information about their services can be found at https://www.k-state.edu/cats-cupboard/
On Thursday, October 7th at 4:30pm Powercat Financial is hosting their annual Eating Healthy on a Budget event. Unlike last year, we will be hosting the event in person in partnership with Family Consumer Sciences Education Student Organization. Feel free to join us at the KSU Student Union in room 227. We will be providing more tips on how to eat healthy on a budget, a grocery store gift card giveaway, and there will be free food. You do not want to miss this event!
Eli McDonald
Graduate Assistant
Powercat Financial
302 K-State Student Union, Third Floor
918 N. 17th Street
Manhattan, KS 66506-2800
785.532.2889
