Can't seem to slow down on your junk food frenzy? Don't worry... the doc's here to offer some nutritious meals with exceptional dollar deals!

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Meals For a Healthier You
By Paul D. Rosevear

The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- Living on a strict diet of pizza, potato chips, and ice cream may sound like a dream come true, until the junk food starts taking a toll on your health! It's easy to slip into bad eating habits while you're at college. After all, Mom's not around to serve up those home-cooked meals and Dad can't horde all the cookies to himself. Fast food seemingly becomes the quickest way to eat a cheap meal. However, there are better ways to stay healthy, save your dough, and eat it, too.

A typical day in the life of a student can be busy and stressful, says Dr. Annette Schaefer of New York City Technical College (New York, NY), which is why food that is easy to prepare is a must. She assures that with a little forethought and preparation on your behalf, eating well can be a delicious dining endeavor.

"Students are always on the go," Schaefer says, that's why you should stock your mini-refrigerator with 'on-the-go' foods like yogurt or nutrient drinks. That way, you'll have snacks that are portable and full of vitamins and nutrients. "Calcium is something of which young people just don't get enough," she says.

So how do you know what to pick up as you're cruising the supermarket aisles? The creme-filled cupcakes and microwavable burritos will be tempting, but you're better off looking for what Schaefer calls 'color and crunch' munchies. "If you can shop for items that have these two qualities, chances are you'll wind up buying fruits and vegetables, thus meeting your nutrient needs," she says. "Everything green is good -- except maybe pistachio ice cream!"

When it comes time to eat something more substantial, opt for packaged products that are inexpensive, easy to prepare, and healthy. "Packaged meals are completely fine, as long as they have either enriched rice or pasta," advises Schaefer. "Those added nutrients are critical. Iron is especially important for young women."

Don't be alarmed, though... none of this healthy-eating talk means you have to swear off junk food for the duration of your school stint. "After all, there's nothing wrong with eating pizza," Schaefer says. "Just grab a salad along with it!"