Customers browse the indoor plant nursery and produce department at Green’s Produce and Plants in Arlington on March 3. The market is located about 3.6 miles from the UTA campus.
Grocery shopping can be challenging when living in a dorm. However, with a variety of grocery stores across Arlington that offer domestic and ethnic ingredients, there are plenty of ways for students to find food and get the right nutrition.
Here are tips to help students when shopping.
Shop around the perimeter of the grocery store
Registered dietitian Stacie Ellis said students should focus on the perimeter of the store when shopping for groceries because that’s where most of the whole foods are.
“You’ll find your proteins, you’ll find your produce, you’ll find your dairy and your baked goods,” Ellis said.
Use digital coupons and apps
Scott Sutton, Green’s Produce and Plants store manager, said most grocery store chains offer digital coupons when it comes to grocery shopping.
Some apps, like Flipp, can also help students know what deals are happening in stores before even going inside.
A variety of apples is displayed at Green’s Produce and Plants in Arlington on March 3. The apples are sourced directly from regional growers.
Shop based on seasons
Most vegetables and fruits have a season or time of year in which they grow. Year-round fruits and vegetables that are always in season include apples, bananas and carrots, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture website.
Ellie said summer squashes, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, citrus fruits, berries and cherries will all be coming into season as summer approaches.
She said that produce currently in season will also be a cheaper option.
Focus on a healthy diet
Getting through schoolwork can be students’ number one priority, but living on an unhealthy diet can have lifelong health effects.
Ellis said college can be the best time to establish any good habits.
“When you graduate and you go into the work world, you have a whole new set of standards that you are required to live by,” she said. “You’re not going to have as much free time as you do now.”
Eating foods with fiber and whole grains can set students up to live healthier lives, she said.
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