Gaining weight during your freshman year is pretty normal, but does not have to be inevitable. Weight gain comes from unhealthy eating, lack of sleep, stress, and binging on all the wrong things.
You can avoid these unnecessary pounds, by focusing on eating healthfully, and exercising regularly. The cheapest foods are usually the unhealthiest as well-spending a few more dollars can save you lots of fat and calories.
If you can, try to buy in bulk-you can go in with roommates if you need to. Joining a big-box discount store can save you money-everything will be cheaper when you buy more of it.
Divide and freeze large packs of fresh chicken or fish, make a big batch of a favorite dish and freeze extra servings for later in the week, or get a group of college friends to go in on the shopping with you. You will end up with much better meals, and fewer trips to the store.
Try to cut coupons when you have the time. You can save a bundle on healthy foods by spending a little time with the weekly newspaper circulars.
You can also get your coupons online, making them incredibly convenient. Check out the website of your local store, and see what you can find.
Many grocery stores have a free rewards club that gives you access to specials and sale prices. Sign up for this value card as soon as you can, so that you can start banking points and getting great deals.
Be sure to check out the frozen food aisle. Light frozen meals are a good option for healthy eating as long as they are low in sodium, calories, and fat-just check the labels before you buy.
Eating as many fruits and vegetables as you can, in healthy forms. If you are buying frozen vegetables, always read the labels to make sure you are just getting the vegetable, without any added sauces, seasonings, and calories.
You can have berries all year round by buying them frozen, and they are perfect to blend into a smoothie with milk, yogurt, or orange juice. This is a great way to get in a quick, healthy breakfast with the vitamins you need to keep your immune system strong.
Plan your meals in advance, as thoroughly as you can. This will help you to avoid resorting to fast food when you cannot think of something to make.
Look for recipes with ingredients that overlap to limit the number of items you have to buy. Do as much busy cooking work as you can in advance.
Pre-cut carrots, cubed chicken pieces, and pre-made dips are easy to grab and go, but cost a lot more than food you peel, cut, and mix yourself. Being able to grab something healthy in a hurry can help you to keep extra pounds off as well.
Next, make sure that you buy the different foods you enjoy while you are in season. Shopping for fruits and vegetables that are in season will save you money, and fresh picked is often the most delicious.
Look in the local newspaper for markets and farm stands that feature locally grown produce. You will get the best flavors, and the best values.
To save a few dollars, buy store brands. If you opt for generic and store brands, you can save several dollars at a time, without noticing a change in flavor in most cases.
In a pinch, a high-fiber cereal, low-fat milk, and berries or a banana make an instant dinner. Look for low-sodium soups with beans, vegetables, and chicken chunks.
If you eat a salad with this, you have a cheap meal that gives you the nutrition you need without the extra fat and calories. Look for less expensive protein sources.
You need protein in your diet, but maybe you cannot always afford the cost of fresh chicken and lean meat. Try adding beans and legumes to a meal to get the protein, without the expense.
They are healthy, and will give you the energy you need. Make a batch of vegetarian chili, and try Mediterranean style salads with chunks of tuna, cold boiled potatoes, and a variety of lightly cooked veggies, like peas and string beans.
You can make these easy adjustments to your diet today, and you will love the effect that they have on your waistline. If you are savvy about your shopping, your wallet does not even have to notice the difference.
Tommy Greene has worked in the medical industry for years and recommends (http://www.mdc.edu) for Physician Assistant Programs in Florida.
Contact info:
Tommy Greene
Tommy Green09@gmail.com
http://www.mdc.edu
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