I need practical help and advice (Right There Answers).

[danielyang]

I am currently going to be a college student soon and really need your wisdom and knowlege from this forum. I've always wanted to go raw but could never because I just can't afford too since I'm low income. But anyways I see college as a chance to eat healthier. I have terrible acne (though it's calmed down significantly), and acne scars and want to get rid of them through food. I know that I can't go raw and as extravagant as Alissa's recipes. But do you guys think you could help me design a meal plan or give me ideas about what to eat at college? I have a college meal plan and am zilch broke and cannot buy any veggies or fruits (dumpster diving maybe?). I'm planning on talking to the staff to see if I could do a special dietary plan or whatever with them (because it said on their thingy that special dietary changes can be made or something). So all I can think of is like green smoothies, juices, puree veggies and fruits. That's really all I can think of. I really want to get rid of my acne and acne scars. I know this won't be long-term but I'm not doing it as a quick fix and go back to unhealthy food. I'm doing it for the time being to boost my health, and then taper off slowly to more healthier food. Because my diet growing up was terrible (which contributed to my acne). It was basically microwave food everyday (My diet's way healthier and different now). So I really need your help. Do you think it's possible? Do you think they would let me do this? Maybe if I explain my situation to them. But I just need some thoughts, comments, and ideas. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

What should I say to them?

[Myca]

Daniel,
I eat very simply. No fancy recipes 99% of the time. Just as the lady with the colorful language pointed out, apples, bananas lettuce. Buy vinegar and olive oil and make your own dressings. Nuts are a treat whenever you can afford it.
Maybe you can apply for food stamps. If you live near a Sam's or Costco's check them out...for the raw stuff only.

[Raynne413]

Salads can be found almost anywhere, so you shouldn't have a problem with that. Fruit and Smoothies for breakfast, salads for lunch and dinner, and you'll be fine.

[Aleesha Sattva]

An apple is an easy thing to find... so are bananas. Just get as many as you can from the caf.

And there's usually a salad to be found too... you can do this super simply...

[November Blue]

I'm thinking there should be some decent salad options at school as well as fruit. If you're on the meal plan, I definitely would suggest speaking with them about it. You never know until you try - they might be willing to work with you a bit. I would suggest getting everything you can from that meal plan, then supplement it with other raw foods that you can get on your own. Just keep it simple and it should be very affordable.

Dumpster diving isn't completely unheard of. Stores throw out insane amounts of perfectly good food. Of course, you have to be careful and do your research - know where you're going and when they throw things out. I've never done it and I don't want to encourage you to do anything illegal or unsafe, but people do it and eat pretty well that way. Always be sure to take a buddy with you - never go alone.

Where there's a will, there's a way. You might have to get creative, but it can be done. :)

[danielyang]

Thanks for all your support guys. I really appreciate it. Simple. I think I'm gonna do that. Of course I can get apples, bananas, and salads! LOL. But I really appreciate you guys for at least replying to me. Thank you.

[danielyang]

Daniel,
I eat very simply. No fancy recipes 99% of the time. Just as the lady with the colorful language pointed out, apples, bananas lettuce. Buy vinegar and olive oil and make your own dressings. Nuts are a treat whenever you can afford it.
Maybe you can apply for food stamps. If you live near a Sam's or Costco's check them out...for the raw stuff only.

Hey Myca, I was just looking at food stamp eligibility. It's very interesting.

How can I be eligible if I am in college?
If you are in college more than half-time, you may qualify for SNAP/Food Stamps if you meet any one of the conditions below:.

You receive (any amount of ) federal or state work-study monies,
You work for pay for 20 hours or more per week,
You care for a child under the age of 12 (further rules apply) or you get TAFDC,
You participate in a SNAP or other 'employment and training program',
You attend a Mass. community college and are enrolled in a credit degree or certificate program that will lead to a job or will enhance your employability,
You are age 50 or older, or you are under age 18, or
You have a temporary or permanent physical and/or mental impairment.

Can I get SNAP/Food Stamps if I live in a dorm?
If you live on-campus and get more than half your meals from a meal plan, you don’t qualify for SNAP/ food stamp benefits.

I think I would be qualified if I got a work study job (which I am qualified for), and switched my meal plan down to 10 meals. But I don't know if the money I would get from them would be enough to feed me for a month(along with my meal plan of course). But it's an interesting thought. Thanks for mentioning it.