Shopping healthy in college

Does anyone else notice how awesome it is to be poor? I'm too cheap to waste money on empty calories like chips and sweets because I'm like "WHERE is your nutrition, Doritos? Fiber? Do you know what fiber is?" Then I feel bad about scolding it and just get some spinach instead (it's also cheaper). Love it.

LOL I wish I thought that way. When I was broke in college I stuck to Ramen noodles. Definitely not nutritious! Bad sodium, BAD!

I always make comments about the "poor" diet I'm on. As I've been low on cash flow for.. ever, I've found that in order not get pudgy from cheap junk and to get enough nutrients in not to croak, I keep certain foods close at hand:

Beans - A poor person must. Very cheap, lots of variety. Tons of cheap ways to go about eating/preparing them (google it!), whether you buy them dry or in cans. Make sure if you are buying canned ones that they aren't loaded with sodium. I buy organic beans with nothing bad added and it's really only like 20 cents more.

Food bars - While I'm totally against most food bars, there are some good ones out there, some that contain a full serving of fruit, and healthy things like nuts and ginger! I love larabars... and they are only made with 4 ingredients or so (I wouldn't recommend the chocolate... since they don't add anything bad, they don't add any sugars, and that makes for some funky chocolate). I also really like something called "Boomi bars," and they have a lot of great flavors too! I had a simply DELICIOUS one called an "Honest bar," which isn't quite as amazingly healthy for you, but it really is still pretty decent and all organic. There are a lot of other varieties too.. but always check the nutritional box for the fewest ingredients, and for ingredients that you know what they are. ANYWAYS they are all only over a dollar, and a great breakfast/snack/lunch, especially when you are busy/lazy.

Fresh Fruit/Veggies - Some types of fruits and vegetables can actually be cheap (bananas, sweet potatoes, carrots, many salad leaves...)- the key is, is to not buy more than you know you will eat.

Frozen Fruit/veggies - This is really a great option. You can get frozen fruit REALLY cheap, often 2 bags for 3 dollars. It's generally just as healthy as real (a little less vitamin C). This is how I get berries in. Fresh berries are often pricey, especially in the off season -- but the bags are still cheap. PLUS, they last a really long time, so you won't have to worry about wasting your money from it going bad like you do with fresh fruit! Make sure to check the ingredients to make sure it's ONLY the fruit or veggie in there - a lot brands like green giant will add a lot of junk in there.

Eggs - Eggs are pretty cheap - if you aren't much of a cooker, hardboil them all when you get them so they are grab-and-go. They are superb sources of protein and selenium and whatnot.

Nuts - Nuts might seem a little pricey for the amount you get, but I find them a decent enough deal because you get all of their nutritional power without having to actually eat all that many. A container that seems a little pricey lasts a long time when portioned out. I usually get almonds because they are the cheapest nut thats considered very healthy, in my opinion. 

Cans of fish - You can buy tuna, salmon, or even chicken in a can for very cheap! Always good to have around for a protein boost. 

Brown Rice - very cheap, pretty healthy, adds a lot of bulk to help fill you up too.

Hope this helps a little!