Healthy and cheap are two words that never seem to go along, especially not in college. Many college students struggle to eat healthy due to time restraints and a budget.

No one believes in the “Freshman 15” until it actually happens. While alternative options do exist, preventing it entirely requires slight effort in planning caffeine intake, daily meals and budgeting.

CAFFIENE:

As schoolwork and stress accumulate, caffeine begins to flow through people’s veins.

Not surprisingly, Starbucks reigns as the supreme on campus as fanatics crave their daily dose of caffeine and other sugary delights.

An average Starbucks drink costs around $3 to $6 which translates to $21 to $42 a week just for a coffee.

This estimation does not include the pastries and sandwiches.

A better option, at least for your bank account, would be to take advantage of the “free” wcoffee at the cafeteria or make your own cup at home.

For an extra touch, add in flavored syrups, creamer or milk and experiment with the brewing process.

Wal-Mart sells ready-made coffee blends with an inherently less amount of sugar.

International Delight offers flavors such as mocha, vanilla and caramel macchiato.

However if Starbucks is life, the franchise actually bottles its iced coffee, vanilla latte, white chocolate mocha and caramel macchiato.

These half gallons of coffee last almost an entire week for only $5.

HEALTHY FOOD:

Though most students quickly grow tired of the Schulze, it prevails as the most cost efficient in terms of regulated nutrition, buffet style and diverse options.                  Purchasing a meal plan and hardly ever using it is money wasted.

In order to liven up mundane meals, consider bringing your own spices (BYOS) such as hot sauce or Tony Chachere’s.

The pasta station has around five different spices to fix a meal.

Try mixing equal parts of ketchup and mayo with a dash of hot sauce to go along with the bland boiled vegetables.

During breakfast, incorporate fruits from the salad section into cereal or waffles.

Some students even mix chocolate chips and mashed bananas in their waffle batter.

People who choose to eat at the SUB should consider the healthiness, hunger fulfillment and price of each meal.

Subway offers wholesome sandwiches for a decent price.

For your next Subway, consider getting the whole wheat bread with lots of veggies and lay back on the sauce.