Considering concerns with the economy and the typically tight budgets of most college students, I decided that a piece highlighting a few pointers for eating inexpensively would be quite pertinent. 

However, upon conducting a bit of research in order to round up a few outside ideas and tips, I found myself absolutely appalled.

 At the top of every single list of “cheap meals for college students” perched Ramen Noodles, frozen dinners, boxed macaroni and cheese, and fast-food dollar menus. 

Can somebody please explain in what dimension of the twilight zone is promoting obesity in a box considered quality advice?

LENZ

 OK, I am all for experiencing the full “college lifestyle.” All the same, never will the sun rise on a day when rolling out of bed to an afternoon breakfast of Natty Lights and Totino’s Pizza Rolls is a good meal … even for a broke student. 

I really don’t mean to offend any of patrons of the beloved college staples, but have you ever actually taken a gander at the nutrition label on a pack of Ramen? 

Your first mental alarm should sound when you see that one package contains two servings. Who might I ask eats only half a package of Ramen Noodles? 

In reality, there is a plethora of means to cost-effectively obtain delicious, quality food. The key being a smidgen of thought paired with a pinch of effort. 

The first years living on one’s own are a crucial time for forming habits that could very well last the remainder of your life. Thus, now is the perfect time to establish fiscally and nutritionally wise eating habits. 

There are numerous affordable, staple food items that can scrumptiously serve as the foundation for innumerable wholesome meals.

Keep the kitchen stocked with essentials such as eggs, canned tuna or chicken, oatmeal, low-fat yogurt, potatoes and beans. Of course, always keep fruits and veggies on hand, preferably fresh or frozen, as canned typically lose nutrition and flavor.

Now for a few basic “Do’s of economic eating.” Invest in some basic kitchen tools, including a couple of good cookbooks and actually take them out of the cupboard. Establish a food budget and stick to it. 

Shop wisely by checking out store specials, clipping coupons and making a shopping list before heading into aisles of enticement. 

Plan ahead by making dishes on the weekend, such as homemade soup, that can be eaten throughout the week or frozen for later. 

Purchase good seasonings to add more variety to your recipes. Try to prepare the majority of meals at home and let dining out be an occasional treat.

 Avoid unplanned food ventures while out and about. Those little gas station snacks and afternoon McFlurries add up quickly. 

Consider reducing your meat intake. You can easily save a little cash and reap some health benefits with a few weekly vegetable-based meals. Always eat breakfast. You’ll be less likely to feed dollars to the vending machine throughout the day.

 And for the “No-No’s.”  Thou shall not forsake thy leftovers. Often, they can be revamped into something more scrumptious than the original.

 Don’t be glutinous, it’s a deadly sin for a reason. Eating more than you actually need and mindless snacking is truly a waste of food, and consequently, a waste of money.

 Avoid racing to fast food and pizza places just because of a “meal deal” advertisement. It’s still typically cheaper to cook at home. Try not to waste money on pricey pre-packaged munchies and snack packs. 

Also, don’t waste money on soda and stick with water, even when eating out. Don’t pay up to three times as much for pre-cut fruits and vegetables. You can slice an apple all by yourself. 

All in all, being a college student does not have to equivocate in starving or surviving on a diet based on toxic lard, as long as you make a few conscious efforts to expand your culinary horizons and wisdom.

  — Darcy Lenz is a freshman from Valdosta majoring in English and consumer foods