Welcome to America 2016: the iPhone 7 just came out, the Kardashian/Jenner family is posted on every corner, and the wonderful thing known as food has been largely replaced by odd substances sold at fast food restaurants or in packages and cans. While it is hard to believe, real food does still exist and, most likely, is both cheap and accessible at your neighborhood corner store. Sure, drive-thru chicken and a Coca-Cola may be tempting but, if this is your first choice for an affordable meal, you're probably missing out on a glorious conglomeration of equally delicious foods with much better ingredients! I could write an entire novel preaching about the tragedy that the American food industry has become but that's already been done. Instead, here's a list of suggestions that are much more appetizing with the same convenience!
1. Jamaican Beef Patties: Craving a McDouble? Or maybe a Whopper? These will satisfy those cravings and, speaking as someone who gave up a six year streak of no red meat just for the delicious taste of beef, these patties taste sooo much better!
Where to find them: If you live in New York City, these are such an easy find. They are basic necessities at almost any deli, corner store, bagel shop, etc..
Cost: Usually range from $1.50 to $2.50
2. Kitchens of India microwave dinner: Feeling like trying something new? There are ten all natural, microwavable dinners, each perfect for a night at home when you're too lazy to actually be fancy but want to change things up.
Where to find them: When I first started eating these about two years ago, they were only sold at more upscale grocery stores. They've been gaining popularity since and I've found them in a surprising selection of places, including Big Lots!. There are also many other brands with the same quality and prices, so you can almost always find something of the sort wherever you go.
Cost: One dinner costs around $2.75, depending on where you shop.
3. The Switch Sparkling Juice: By far my favorite beverage, this is for sure a match for soda, though it is 100% juice! There are also eight flavors; gotta try 'em all!
Where to find them: Right now, they're only sold at Publix, which is great if you live in the South but, in the North, you can try ordering some off Amazon (you have my guarantee that you won't regret it. You could also try another brand like Bai (this will be slightly more expensive) or Izze (70% juice, 30% sparkling water).
Cost: If bought in store, The Switch is usually $0.75 a can. 
4. Bagels: You want the carbs, sugars, oils, and convenience of Dunkin' Donuts or Popeye's biscuits? Stop! I'm not going to tell you to eat quinoa salad as an alternative, but just stick with ingredients you can pronounce and go to an independent shop you can trust.
Where to find them: In New York City, there's practically a bagel shop on every corner. They can look pretty sketchy but it's worth the stop! Outside of the city, you can stop into a local coffee shop for one.
Cost: My favorite bagel store sells them for $2.75, or $3.50 with cream cheese. This is pretty standard pricing.
5. Chocolate Milk: I know, I sound like I'm five years old but I'm serious! Who doesn't want a milkshake once in a while? Try an organic brand or (my favorite) Promised Land chocolate milk. If dairy makes your stomach uneasy, try Silk Soymilk instead. Avoid brands that use high fructose corn syrup or weird thickening agents.
Bonus: If you want a frappuccino, try adding instant coffee to your chocolate milk instead of paying $5.00 to buy it
Where to find them: Literally anywhere. There are so many brands out there that are avoiding the harmful ingredients. Get them at gas stations, corner stores, drug stores, wherever you are.
Cost: A single serve box costs around $1.00 for most brands and a single serve bottle is usually $2.00. If you're an addict like me, you can buy a gallon for $5.00.
6. Fruit: I know, this is so obvious. Really though, next time you want a snack, try a banana and peanut butter or strawberries and chocolate. In the city, you pass street vendors all the time selling any number of things, fruit included.
Cost: I bought a carton of strawberries for $1.50 the other day! Just keep your eyes peeled for deals, wherever you shop. 
I have to apologize for how region-specific this list is. Having just moved up the East Coast, I haven't found many things that are sold in both places.
Aside from all these wonderful foods, here are my other suggestions for how to be healthier while still dining deliciously.
1. Forget white, processed sugar and try coconut sugar. I only sweeten with this and honey and it tastes so much better!
2. Flour - make your own. If you're making your own pancakes or cookies, it's worth the trouble to grind oats in a coffee grinder instead.
3. If your sweet tooth is getting to you, keep semi-sweet chocolate chips around. I just ordered en masse on Amazon - I may have an addiction problem. It's much better to eat these or add them to other treats, rather than a candy bar or other pre-made desserts.
4. Popcorn!!!!!! Buy some kernels for the stove-top and make it yourself! Popcorn tastes sooo much better when you can make it according to your specific preferences. Snack on this instead of chips, pretzels, etc.. It is both filling and good for you - even if you put half a stick of butter on it like I do.
5. When grocery shopping, generally avoid artificial colors, preservatives, flavors, sweeteners, thickening agents, GMOs, and hormones. I know it seems like an impossible list but I promise it's easy once you get used to it.
From the healthy college girl on a very tight budget to all you readers: give each of these things a try before writing them off entirely! You'll be surprised at how much better the simplest changes can make you feel.
Bon Appétit!
