Health Kick: 10 Healthy Eating Tips That Will Fatten Up Your Wallet and Trim Your Waistline

In college, it can be hard to eat food that's healthy and economical. However, by committing to just a few changes it is easy to save money while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

1) Use Water Filters – Water in general is the healthiest beverage to consume and it is good to replace sodas and other drinks. However, if buying jugs and bottles of water seems too expensive, then buy a water filter. For about $10, a water filter can reduce the need for buying bottles of water and ensure clean, drinking water at home all the time.

2) Unsalted Peanuts vs. Chips – To satisfy the need to crunch on something, replace chips with unsalted peanuts. They have much less sodium and carbohydrates than greasy potato chips.

3) Whole Wheat Bread vs. White Bread – Whole wheat bread retains all of the nutritious parts that are used to make it, as opposed to white bread. Therefore, it's higher in vitamins such as B6 and E, folic acid and fiber, which reduces the risk of heart attack.

4) Purchase Generic Brands- On a college student's budget, it is not necessary or wise to purchase name brands. Switch to generic brands and save money on food. The only difference between the two are usually the popularity of the brand.

5) Fruit Cups vs. Fruit Snacks- While real fruit is always the best choice, fruit cups are still a better choice than fruit snacks such as gummy candies or roll-ups. Look for brands that ensure that there is no added sugar or preservatives to the fruit cups.

6) Pack a Lunch/Snack- It is tempting to grab a sub or burger when running around campus, but taking the time to pack a lunch bag or snack can save that extra $5 a day so freely given to McDonald's or Subway.

7) Buy in Bulk – It is much cheaper to buy items in bulk,they last longer and cost less than buying smaller packages. Purchase items such as rice, meat and oats in bulk to save money.

8) Sorbet vs. regular ice cream – Try eating sorbet for a sweet treat as opposed to regular ice cream, which can be high in fat and calories. Sorbet contains less calories and no fat so it is a tasty way to eat healthier.

9) Oatmeal vs. Cereal – Oatmeal is another food that is high in fiber and it is a much healthier breakfast option than cereal. Sweeten with cinnamon, raisins or fruit like berries and bananas.

10) Sweet Potatoes vs. Regular Potatoes- Sweet potatoes can be cooked just like regular potatoes, baked, cut into fries, or mashed, but they are healthier and not to mention sweeter. They contain many important vitamins, like A, B, and C, as well as fiber, and eating one sweet potato during the day can account for approximately 15 percent of the necessary daily fiber and potassium intake.