by Brian Keith Compton

Created on: September 08, 2009   Last Updated: September 12, 2009

College students trying to save a buck tend to make poor food choices. They may be unaccustomed to making their own meals and settle for cheap fast food. It's a critical time for those who need to optimize brain power to get a good education.

The allure of vending machines or coffee shops around campus preys on the weak. It's no wonder obesity is more common now with college students who don't take time to mind what they eat. They are victim to fast foods that are often high in refined sugar, trans fats or saturated fats. Fast food is not intended as an inexpensive staple for one's diet.

It might be assumed healthy foods are too pricey. With the right choices, it won't be necessary to take out another student loan just so you can eat right. You may need to find specials, stock up and plan out your meals to avoid wasting food while optimizing nutrition.

To get started, the college student needs the essentials. Stock up on rice and pasta. You can purchase tomato basil sauces, or balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil for salads. You will use these sparingly, just make it last. You'll want to keep a variety of spices on hand for cooking. Avoid salt as much as possible and try garlic, pepper, oregano or even cinnamon for toast.

Other foods that keep for a long time might include dried fruits like raisins and canned foods such as tuna. Raisins are a healthy snack, while tuna can be used for sandwiches mixed with a low fat dressing. Or, you could try peanut butter on whole wheat bread. You will have to spend a little extra for whole wheat, but a high fiber diet helps your body break down foods and keep you full longer so you won't have to eat as much. If it's enriched like most white bread, it has no nutritional value.

Speaking of fiber, many types of beans or peas can be had for less. For instance, pinto, lentil, lima, or the old standby, green beans. Supermarkets will occasionally run specials on canned vegetables, or you could buy broccoli, cauliflower or carrots frozen. Boil some rice and stir fry these veggies with a little soy sauce and some red wine vinegar. For less than a dollar, you can pick up some seasoning packets to make Szechuan or Sweet and Sour.

One of the cheapest fruits you can buy is bananas. If you buy at the right time (either clip coupons or watch advertisements), get a week's worth of grapes, apples or oranges. These can be your desserts or snacks.

So, you have the essential foods. What other kinds of healthy meals can a college student

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