As college students one of the few things that we dread seeing other than our final grades is the “Freshman Fifteen”. Here are some tips as to how to eat healthy while in college.
1. SNEAKY SNACKS
Companies like Nabisco are getting hip to the health food craze and have created a great line of snack packs that contain only 100 calories. Eating fruits and veggies are also a perfect snack time option.
2. DON’T DO LUNCH EVERY DAY
It’s a typical social activity to meet friends for lunch, dinner, coffee, or dessert. Not only can this expand your waistline from the heavy portions most restaurants give out these days, but you might also see the size of your wallet start to shrink. Want to switch that around? Don’t make meeting for lunch a regular social activity, but find other ways to socialize.
3. FOOD FUELS
Bleary-eyed students up late studying for exams are a common sight on college campuses. Large quantities of caffeine are not good for anyone and even if these drinks are fortified with some vitamins this does not classify them as a health food. College students who skip meals in favor of energy drinks and pots of coffee need to focus on fueling with lean meats, vegetables, fresh fruit, and milk or light yogurt.
4. CURB YOUR EATING HABITS
Eating late at night while studying or partying is a major temptation, but you should do your best to consume all or most of your calories before 7:00 pm. Don’t deprive yourself, or you’re likely to binge later, so keep your treats, whatever they may be, in moderation.
5. FIND A ROUTINE THAT WORKS
The first week or two of college is often overwhelming and chaotic, but once you get used to your class schedule, it’s important to figure out convenient times when you are free to eat meals. They will most likely vary from day to day, but creating a routine for each day will help you avoid the eat and run.