Here are some tips for you to follow that can make it easier and a little less expensive for you to eat healthy. It also should keep you from hitting the vending machine each time you get hungry. Your body and your wallet will thank you.

1. Packing food in plastic containers, such as soup or pre-cooked food.

While this may seem like a misnomer, if you have food prepped and/or cooked and ready to go, you will not have an excuse to not bring it or have an excuse to eat out. You have already dedicated the time to putting the food together normally the night before, so you might as well eat it.

2. Buying certain prepackaged healthy snacks

You can buy a plethora of already packaged and ready to go snack food that actually is not terrible for you. For instance, I bought this entire container of delicious trail mix for less than $2. Can't beat that, and hey, it keeps you from snacking on sweets all day to keep you going. Sweet snapped peas are also another delicious prepackaged healthy snack option. I also decided to tack on chewing gum to this, because it is also technically a prepackaged snack. It keeps you focused and can distract you from craving bad foods.

3. Buying whole pieces of fruit and cutting it yourself

I like this method for more than one reason. It's actually cheaper and you can save yourself anywhere from a couple of cents a pound, to even a few dollars in the process. I also prefer this method, so that I can mix the kinds of fruits that I want instead of having to go with the already prepackaged fruits. The fruit also tends to stay fresher longer when you cut it up yourself, which is always refreshing (get it?).

4. Protein, protein, protein

Make sure you're getting plenty of protein in your diet. This makes all the difference for many reasons, including keeping you fuller longer and sustaining your muscle growth when you're working out. You won't feel a need to snack as often and your muscles can continue to grow, it's a win-win!

5. Stay hydrated

You might mistake being thirsty or dehydrated for needing a little extra snack to keep you going. Be wary of this! Keep a refillable water bottle with you at all times to remind you to stay hydrated. Don't stay thirsty, my friends!