So far in “Wellness on a Budget,” we’ve covered mental and physical wellness (for sure the two broadest categories). Now we want to break it down a little more, exploring smaller components. Up this week is Nutritional Wellness. Sure, we’ve all heard of the dreaded Freshman 15, but nutritional health goes beyond that. Body changes are normal, but when 95% of college students aren’t getting the recommended nutrients for a healthy lifestyle, and 59% may be suffering from malnutrition, that’s an issue.
Like all the other first tastes of independence that college brings, meal-planning and meal-prepping changes when students are away from home. Moreover, eating healthy can seems like an impossibly expensive feat: when dining halls are full of pizza and French fries, and Whole Foods prices seem astronomical when compared to fast food like Chipotle, it can feel like financial and nutritional wellness are in opposition to one another. Boro knows how tight your budget in college can be, so here’s 3 ideas for healthy eating on a budget.
1. Talk to your dining hall chefs
You know all those surveys flooding your inbox from your school, asking for your feedback on various aspects of campus life? Actually read them! Most college dining halls are run by service providers that want to hear your feedback. Happy students = a longer contract. Ask for more healthy options in your dining hall - maybe expanding the salad bar, or offering fresh fruits and vegetables at every meal. You’re already paying for a meal plan at school, make your voice heard!
2. Check out Imperfect Foods
Imperfect Foods is this awesome company that can help you save over 30% on your grocery bill each week. Download the app, customize your own box, and get healthy and seasonal produce, snacks, meat, and more delivered right to your door. It’s good for your wallet, but more than that, it’s good for the planet by helping eliminate food waste.
3. Try your hand at gardening
Succulents are all the rage in college dorm décor - why not give real plants a try? Start your own little vegetable garden, whether that’s outside your off-campus apartment or in a little window box in your dorm. You can grow your own veggies and fruit and save on your grocery bill. Plus, gardening has been proven to help with mental health - an extra bonus for wellness!
Need a boost to your nutritional budget? Get up to $2000 of BoroCash on the Boro app now and pay back over 1-12 months.