Eating Healthy in College Tips

Top 10 Tips to Help the Busy Student stay Healthy

Learning when, how, and what to eat in college is a determining factor in whether you will gain the freshman 15 or NOT! For me, I did not see 15 pounds added to my weight during freshman year although I chose to eat out on a regular basis (thank God for good metabolism). So, after my freshman year I began to work out, moved off campus, and started cooking on my own. For this blog, I have listed the top 10 tips to help you stay active and maintain your weight while in college. It is important that we take care of our bodies. We only have one body on this side of heaven. The Bible reminds us in 1 Cor. 6:19 that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. This means in what we put in our bodies as well. Be wise in your choices.

 

1. Keep snacks handy. College is the perfect time to stop by the closest fast food restaraunts and buy a lot of junk food. One suggestion would be to go by Sams club and stock up on healthy snacks (granola bars, trail mix, fruits, vegetables, etc.). By having a limitless supply of these items in your dorm/apartment, you will be less tempted to stop by McDonalds on your way back to campus. For me, apples and oranges are my favorite fruits. I can buy them in bulk and eat more than one a day.

2. Get creative. Being able to eat healthy will force you to get creative. Choosing between a double cheeseburger with fries or some baked chicken and green beans may be daunting at first. Not having your mom's home cooked Sunday dinners can also be depressing. Do not let the convenience of college cafeterias cause you to make poor choices. Get creative with your meal. Make sure that you are eating enough protein, starch, and vegetables per meal. This will show in the long run and during classes. The more important meal is breakfast. Make sure that you are getting a nutritious breakfast DAILY. Some schools require students to have a meal plan. If you are in this situation, choose wisely. Choose mashed potatoes instead of french fries, choose grilled chicken over the fried chicken breast, choose fruits over a slice of cake. 

3. Join a fitness class. Most schools offer fitness classes in the afternoon and evening for college students. Check with your gym to find out what classes are offered. Classes such as kickboxing, yoga, and pilates are all great in keeping you fit. It is not enough to eat the proper food and not work out. You need both to be successful. Find a routine that works for your schedule and your body. 

4. Don't do "over food" meetings. Many meetings and socials take place over food. Be sure that you are not only attending events for food. It is common to have a lunch date with a friend but not helpful. Eating out may increase your waist and decrease your wallet. Eating out can get expensive and is not always the healthiest option. Instead of meeting for lunch over food, opt to meet at the gym on the treadmill or eleptical. This not only allows you to have a good conversation but also hold one another accountable. 

5. Get plenty of rest. Yes, the research is true-the correct amount of sleep on a regular decreases your chances for obesity. Pulling all nighters to cram that last study session in or write your senior seminar paper is not wise. Research shows that 6-8 hours of sleep is need to help with weight and ability to perform well. Choose wisely.Watch your time management and how you choose to spend your time. Instead of taking 5 naps a day, use that time to study or get a head start on the paper that is due tomorrow. 

6. Get a trainer. Find out what benefits your school offers for staying healthy. Some schools offer personal trainers. This person can be helpful in making sure that you are eating the right types of food and exercising regularly. Who would not want someone who can help them stay healthy? Check it out. 

7. Pinterest. If you are in a situation where you do not know how to cook, have a meal plan, and live in a dorm, check PINTEREST! Pinterest has SO many great ideas for quick meals that are inexpensive and healthy options. All of these can benefit you as you prepare to attend college or continue your last years. Do not give up or opt for only sweets and foods rich in fats. I have included one of my board from Pinterest on healthy food options in college. http://www.pinterest.com/hortonjc/healthy-eating-in-college/ 

8. Limit your sugar intake. Sugar provides calories but nothing nutritious. Limit your intake of sugar to limit your cavities and tooth decay. Use sweetener to sweeten tea, water, etc. 

9. Drink A LOT of water. Your body needs at least eight glasses of water a day. Remember to carry a water bottle with you to class daily. This will remind you to drink your water consistently. Feel free to get some cute monogrammed bottles to encourage your water intake. 

10. Enjoy your food. While there are many stipulations on how bad a lot of food is for your body, choose wisely. No, you may not cut out fast food 100% or fried foods but eat is sparingly. One thing that I like to go by is eating fried and sweets once a week. When I get a sweet craving, I grab a fruit. This cures my sweet tooth while being helpful to my body.