BY BRENDAN CRONIN // SEPT. 13, 2012 //

Let me just say that I understand how hard it can be to eat healthy.

The Fruit Center Marketplace in Milton is an easy way to get healthy food. // EASYSTOCKPHOTOS.COM

We college students don’t have a lot of money and are forced at times to take what we’re given. But you can still get a decent meal—both on and off campus—that will leave you feeling healthy, not bloated.

One of the best ways to eat healthy is to cook for yourself. Before you freak out about the possibilities of a kitchen disaster, know that it’s a lot easier than it might seem.

One of the best investments a college kid can make is to buy a George Foreman grill. This lean, mean, fat-grilling machine allows you to cook personal meals that are tasty and healthy at the same time. The grill comes in a variety of sizes depending on how many you need to feed. The fact that the smaller grills are fairly cheap, at about $20, is another credit to the greatness of this culinary wonder.

Unfortunately, students living on campus aren’t allowed to have Foreman grills in the residence halls, according to page 31 of the student handbook. If you’re off campus, though, this is a great way to create your own, healthy dinner.

Buy yourself some chicken breasts or an inexpensive steak and throw it on the Foreman. Season appropriately—salt and pepper are the bare minimum musts—and you will be blown away at what you’re able to cook up. From a health standpoint, it’s great because the Foreman knocks the fat right out of your meals…literally. There is a small dish that catches all the unwanted grease from your meats.

If money is an issue, head down to the Fruit Center Marketplace on 10 Bassett St. in Milton. If you can’t find good, healthy meals there, I will personally take you food shopping and the bill will be on me! South Shore Living Magazine recently voted the place the “Best Gourmet Food Shop” in the South Shore.

The fact that there are no Whole Foods in the area is not an excuse for purchasing unhealthy food. The Fruit Center Marketplace is a perfectly fine substitute that features local produce, fresh fish and pre-cooked tasty meals.

Heed this advice and I guarantee you’ll be feeling great in no time.