If there’s one thing we would all like to avoid, it’s weight gain in college. However, weight gain is inevitable when there is a ton of delicious food waiting to be devoured. When there are endless options of ice cream, pasta, french fries and burgers lined up to grab, it’s almost impossible for you to resist the temptation. Let’s be honest, the salad bar does not look as great compared to the cookies next to the ice cream cooler. But, there is a way to eat healthier in the dining commons, and here’s how.
1. Only drink water and make it a habit
Resist the urge to get soda and any fountain drink! Instead, always get water, or even tea. We never consider how much unneeded sugar and calories are in just one glass of soda. Water is the best drink to go with your food and it will make you feel a lot better in the long run. Water helps you flush out the toxins in your body, but soda doesn’t.
Photo Courtesy of https://stocksnap.io/
2. Start with salad and do not douse it in dressing
Create a go-to salad and eat one before starting on your main course. It really helps with filling you up before overloading on all the other possibly unhealthy foods that are waiting for you. Make sure to go light on the dressing. Normally, the best amount is just one ladle of dressing for a bowl of salad.
Photo Courtesy of https://stocksnap.io/
3. Switch out your white rice with brown rice
Whenever there is a stir fry or teriyaki bowl, try only asking for the topping and getting brown rice instead. It tastes just the same, except brown rice is a much healthier option in terms of including the fiber you need for your diet.
Photo Courtesy of https://stocksnap.io/
4. Eat appropriate portions
I know, sometimes the portion sizes in dining commons is just too little to be considered a meal. But believe it or not, it is close to the amount you are supposed to receive in one serving. In order to keep track of what you put in your body, there is an extremely helpful app that helps you keep track of your calories and portions. If you hold yourself accountable for the amount you eat, you will most definitely will see that eating vegetables is a much better option compared to a slice of pizza.
Photo Courtesy of https://stocksnap.io/
5. Eat all of the steamed vegetables provided
Try eating vegetables. We know, sometimes, the vegetables are just bland and unappetizing. But, trust us, just try them. Get a small serving everyday, and sample them. You will soon come to realize that they are delicious and are often times, very well seasoned! If they are not well seasoned, you can easily season it with good ol’ salt and pepper.
Photo Courtesy of https://stocksnap.io/
6. Look at the menu before you enter the dining commons and choose the foods you want to eat
This is one of the things that people neglect. We have the option to see the menu everyday. It is extremely helpful if you create a list of items that you want to eat in your head before you go into the dining commons to eat. This will make you go for select items you really want, rather than picking and choosing as you go, only to realize you have overeaten.
Photo Courtesy of https://stocksnap.io/
7. You can eat one item that might be not so healthy
This is a bit iffy, but if you must, go ahead. Don’t starve yourself because you don’t like anything in the dining commons. Remember, eating healthy doesn’t mean that you can’t treat yourself once in a while. But please, do it in moderation. If you eat one unhealthy item, such as pizza, you should compensate for that by eating more fruits and vegetables.
Photo Courtesy of https://stocksnap.io/
8. Stick to fruit and yogurt instead of ice cream
If you are one of the people who treat yourself to a cone after eating a full meal, then this might be a bit difficult for you. But have you ever tried the vanilla yogurt with granola instead? Have you ever tried grabbing fruit instead? If not, do it. If you have, make it a goal to do this more often. Ice cream should only be a treat once in a while, and not everyday. If you manage to do this for one week, you can then treat yourself to ice cream. Until then, you can try healthier alternatives.
Photo Courtesy of https://stocksnap.io/
9. Underestimate the amount you normally eat
We are all guilty of doing this; we grab too much and often stuff ourselves to the maximum. A good way to avoid this, is to grab one meal at a time. It will allow you time to digest and also allow you to eat what you can eat. Our body tends to tell us we are full after 20 minutes of eating. This method can allow your body to do that while you are taking your time getting food, or eating one meal at a time. You will be surprised on how little food you eat to get full.
Photo Courtesy of https://stocksnap.io/
10. Stay away from sugary cereals
If you plan to eat cereal every meal instead of indulging in the other foods, then make sure you are eating the cereals that are not highly sweetened. Stay away from sugary brands such as Frosted Flakes and Lucky Charms. Though cereal may seem like a “healthier” option, sometimes the sugar content outweighs the benefits of eating cereal.
Photo Courtesy of https://stocksnap.io/
Thumbnail photo courtesy of The UCSB Current