How to Eat Organic in College

College is an exciting, but often unhealthy time for ambitious young upstarts. You’re leaving home and going out into the world for the first towards independence, abandoning the world of home cooked meals and nutritional guidance. Many young students, short on money and time, fall into the trap of poor eating habits. It’s easy to feel like a kid in a candy store now that you can eat whatever you want every day, but this can be detrimental to both your health and your studies.

A good diet is the foundation of all aspects of good life. Poor eating habits lead to unsightly weight gains, sluggishness, and negative feelings–to succeed in the world of academia you must nourish both the body and the mind. Skip the pizza and ramen diet, stay away from the convenience stores, and consider stepping away from the school’s meal plan. The best way to go is a wholesome diet of simple, easy to prepare organic meals that will keep your body and mind intact while simultaneously taking the strain off your bank account.

First, seek out your local grocery store; most college campuses in urban areas have at least one within walking distance. For those in the more isolated suburban or rural districts, farmer’s markets may be a more convenient way to go. Many college dorms are outfitted with kitchens, and it’s time to start making use of them. Stock up on raw staples like brown rice, oats, pastas, and beans. These unprepared dietary essentials have a very long shelf life, so don’t be afraid to buy in bulk for added savings. You’ll also want to keep a steady supply of fruits and vegetables going through your kitchen; leafy greens, root vegetables, and local produce will be healthy and hearty additions to your diet. Buy meat products sparingly. Proteins are best consumed fresh, so only buy what you can use in the next few days. Look for labels denoting organic growing; organic foods are naturally cultivated without pesticides and genetic modification, giving you delicious nutrient-rich foods with no toxic chemicals seeping through.

A few other condiments and cooking necessities will provide you with everything you need to eat healthy every day. Salt, pepper, soy sauce, olive oil, anything else that suits your tastes. If you’ve come into school without any kitchen supplies, try browsing local thrift stores for good deals on pots, pans and utensils. You probably won’t even need as much as you think.

Before you know it, everything you need is at your finger-tips. Whether you’re a fresh high school graduate trying to avoid the freshman 15, or a more experienced apartment dweller working on an online EMBA, consider these guidelines to keep healthy fuel going through your body. Oats and fresh fruit make for a delicious breakfast, and later in the day rice with vegetables and beans makes for the perfect dinner. The positive effects on your outlook and thinking abilities are sure to surprise you as much as the savings. Eat cheap and healthy at the same time by going organic and cooking at home.