Going to College changes your normal routine and eating habits. This combined with a million choices surrounding the campus and occasionally few too many drinks the night before can lead to some poor food decisions.
Use these tips to help you make good choices and stay healthy.
1.Eat a good breakfast. It is the most important meal after all. When there isn’t time to sit down and enjoy your morning meal, grab some toast with a piece of fruit. Most of these items can be easily stored in your residence hall room.
2.If you eat junk food, choose wisely. Choose pizza with a thinner base or half the cheese or a baked potato or green salad with reduced calorie dressing. Limit the really high fat options like French chips or fried chicken.
3.Keep healthy snacks on hand. This way, if hunger strikes during a late night study session, you won’t be tempted high sugar alternatives. Fresh or dried fruit, pretzels, popcorn, rice cakes or whole wheat crackers are all great snacks that you can keep in your bag until you need them.
4.Eat plenty of foods rich in calcium. Your twenties are the ideal time for building up stores of calcium to prevent osteoporosis later in life.
5.If you are trying to lose weight, be careful. Starvation and/or diets that offer a quick fix are usually unrealistic and can be harmful. Follow a well-balanced diet and exercise- you will see results!
6.Limit your sugar intake – Sugar provides calories in your diet but has little nutritional value otherwise. Try sweeteners in tea/coffee instead and opt for snacks with no added sugar content.
7.Limit your alcohol intake. We’re not saying all alcohol is bad but it is very important to be mindful about what you drink. Alcohol, like sugar, supplies calories but no nutritional value. A light beer, a glass of wine or an ounce of liquor each has about 100 calories. There may also be health problems associated with drinking alcohol.
8.Drink lots of water. Your body requires roughly 2 litres a day, and, if you exercise a lot you may need more. Carry a water bottle along to class and keep it handy during late night study sessions.
P.S. Don’t forget to have FUN 🙂
