There was an article published about a concept called finite willpower, the thought being that when you expend willpower to do one thing, it makes it more difficult to do other things that also require willpower.

This idea can be applied to the stresses of college life; when you are so overwhelmed with tests, homework and a job, it becomes easier to lose willpower and turn to cheap fast-food. If we can focus on eating well, and not perfectly, we can avoid the late night binge that ultimately comes when you think, “Meh, I’ve been bad today anyway, I’ll start my diet tomorrow.” Then you feast.

It can become expensive to shop at Whole Foods or The Fresh Market, but there are good things to buy that don’t break the bank (if you know where to look).

Frozen pizza is a staple for any college student. Amy’s Spinach Pizza at The Fresh Market is only $8, and it is made with organic vegetables. The pizza is big enough for two or three meals which comes out to only $3 or $4 a meal, probably much cheaper than a run to McDonalds.

Whole-wheat noodles will run you only $2. Pair that with $4 pasta sauce and you have three meals worth of spaghetti, two bucks per serving.

Make the short jaunt to the new Whole Foods store and grab a dozen cage-free eggs for three bucks. Eggs are an incredible source of protein in the morning, and a dozen will make you six breakfasts — that is $0.50 per meal.

Of course, you don’t have to go to one of the ‘healthy’ food stores for healthy food. A personal favorite of mine from Wal-Mart is buying the Gorton’s 30 pack of fish filets for $10. Pair three filets with a can of low-sodium veggies for a dollar and you have 10 meals, $2 apiece.

The point is you can have the willpower to eat healthy if you surround yourself with the right foods. Look for these bargains, and you’ll save your waistline as well as your bank account.