Eating healthy can be easy and affordable. One myth about nutrition is that you need to have a rigid meal plan, spend a lot of money on groceries, or follow the latest diet trend. While these may work for some people, they aren’t the foundation for long-term healthy eating habits. Making small choices more frequently adds up over time—not every meal or snack has to be perfect.

Complex diets tend to do not work well for students because they require a lot of willpower, time, and money. When you’re trying to eat “perfectly” all the time, it is pretty frustrating when you can’t. Simple tips are more manageable and will set you up for success rather than setting yourself up to fail from the start.

Drinking more water will help you feel more energized and focused throughout the day. Staying hydrated is also better for your overall health than drinking sodas and high sugar drinks. Eating healthier doesn’t mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen cooking complicated meals. Eat more whole foods like chicken/brown rice/veggies and fruit. Not only are these meals inexpensive, easy to make, and accessible, but they also give your body what it needs.

You also don’t have to swear off fast food forever. As a student, fast food is always going to be a part of your life. You’ll want to start cutting back on how often you eat it and make better choices when you do. This will still help you make improvements over time, rather than denying yourself and eventually overeating.

Pay attention to your portions. Just because something is a healthier option doesn’t mean you can eat an unlimited amount of it. Moderation is key and becoming mindful of how much you eat can help you find a balance.