We all know that eating healthy is a challenge in itself, add college to the mix, and it can feel nearly impossible. College is the first opportunity that most of us experience where we are basically on our own, away from home, which can lead to excessive partying and constant snacking. We all know the term “freshman fifteen” and no one believes it will happen to them until it does.
Here’s a few tips to stay on track:
Eat Fruits and Vegetables With Every Meal- A little color on your plate never hurts. This will force you to have something aside from carbs and sweets for a meal. While you may think a large class of colorful juice does the trick, unfortunately it’s mainly just sugar. Every single dining hall will have either a salad bar, sliced fruit, or a veggie platter, so just keep a small corner of your plate for fresher option.
Mix It Up- Try to not get the same thing every time you go to the dining hall. Whether it’s healthy food or not, it gets boring and college food gets old fast. Try what’s offered and get a variety from all the food groups.
Get Creative!- Sometimes there’s just nothing exciting offered for lunch or dinner, so instead of settling for pasta or your go-to sandwich, get creative and make your own meal. Make a salad and top it off with some cheese and grilled chicken or have a bunless burger with hummus and veggies instead of your usual condiments. This can give you endless options in your dining hall and will keep you from getting sick of the same old options.
Don’t Skip Breakfast- So many of us end up skipping breakfast on a regular basis. Whether this is lack of time, or an act to save meal swipes, it’s never a good idea. We’ve all heard “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” and it’s true! This is what kicks off your metabolism and gives you a jumpstart of energy to begin your day. If you can’t make it to the dining hall, greek yogurt, granola and bananas are a great, healthy and fast options to keep right in your dorm room. You can have them all together or grab one on your way out the door.
Not all Fat is Bad Fat- Some fat is actually really good for you. This helps you feel more satisfied and keeps you feeling full longer. Avoid saturated fat, which is found in brownies and bread, and try to get your fat from nuts and fish instead.