For most of us, the primary goal is to eat healthy and live a healthy lifestyle. Eating nutritious meals can be difficult if we don’t put it into our budget. There are a few ways you can buy healthy foods for college students on a budget and not break the bank. In West Chester County, you have several options when it comes to grocery shopping and dining out. Getting to know what’s available in the area will help you make wise choices when it comes to the foods you purchase for your family.
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Check Out the Dining Hall
If you are at the college for class, grab a bite to eat at the dining hall. There are many healthy options on the menu and most are reasonably priced. If you are in a hurry and can’t cook at home. Take a few minutes and stop by the dining hall. You can even study while you’re eating. Being able to eat healthy at the dining hall gives you more options so you don’t have to eat the same meals all the time.
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Breakfast Comes First!
Shopping at stores like LIDL and ALDI allows you to buy healthy foods at bargain prices. Whether you prefer a healthy cereal or a protein-rich breakfast bowl, you can find most of your favorite breakfast foods at an affordable price. Make a list of breakfast foods you would enjoy for the week and make one trip. You will save money in the long run and always have your favorite breakfast staples on hand.
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Snacks Can Be Good for You!
Eating snacks throughout the day is a good way to fight insulin resistance and maintain a healthy weight. Dried fruit and nuts can be bought and mixed together for a healthy trail mix. Blend the two together and store them in small sandwich bags. Grab three or four of the bags on your way out the door for health snacks all day long. It’s a great way to eat healthy in smaller portions.
Buy in Bulk When You Can!
The best way to save money when you are trying to eat healthy is to buy in bulk. Divide up what you buy and store it accordingly so you only use what you need when you need it. BJ’s Wholesale Club and Costco are two of the best wholesalers in the West Chester County area where you can buy everything you need in bulk. You can buy healthy food at wholesale prices and feed your family nutritious meals every day of the week.
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Buy Local!
If you want fresh and local, your first stop should always be the West Chester Grower’s Market. Everything sold at the market is grown or produced locally by the vendor you buy it from. Being able to buy produce, meats, and baked goods that are produced nearby means no travel time and foods that are truly farm-to-table fresh. Eating healthy doesn’t get any better than buying directly from the people who produce it.
Living well and eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. In West Chester, you have multiple options to choose from when it comes to buying healthy foods for college students. Learning to cook your meals from scratch can be cost-effective and very rewarding!
