When it comes to eating healthy, college kids do face some unique challenges.

They may be living on campus and at the mercy of a school meal plan, or they may be living on their own for the first time, but without a whole lot of space, kitchen equipment, or cooking skills to draw on.

Mostly, though, they're short on fun. or cooking skills to draw on.

Mostly though, they're short on funds and time,

although this is hardly unique to college students.

So as a new school year gets underway, I've got some advice for college kids and anyone else who finds

that their ability to eat well is hindered by a lack of money, time, kitchen space, or cooking skills.

I'm Monica Reinagel and you're listening to The Nutrition Diva Podcast,

a show where I try to demystify and simplify the business of eating healthy without taking all of the fun out of it.

After all, food is so much more than just fuel.

Yes, we want to supply our body with the nutrients it needs to thrive, but food can

also be a source of enjoyment, connection and culture. And in my view view these are just as important as vitamins and

minerals. So my goal is to help you eat in a way that supports both your health and

your happiness. College kids are always complaining that they don't have enough

money to buy healthy food. Now it may have been a few years since I was in

college but I do live within spitting distance of six universities.

So I see plenty of college students every day, and virtually all of them are carrying around venti Frappuccinos.

Which brings me to tip number one, and that is,

brew your own, coffee, that is.

If money is tight, spend your food dollars on nutrition, not $6 cups of coffee.

Brew your own coffee and carry it in an insulated tumbler. With the money you you can save you can afford more fresh produce.

As far as brewing your own beer well take it from one who has tried it.

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