Image from College Candy.
Just because college can feel like a crazy, out-of-control time doesn’t mean your healthy lifestyle has to go out the window. True, it can be hard to find healthy dining options in a sea of fast food places and cafeterias, but it’s not impossible. By making a commitment to good nutrition and sticking to healthy habits, you’ll be sure to avoid the dreaded freshman fifteen.
- Stick to a schedule. Aim to keep a consistent eating schedule of small meals every three to four hours. I know this is easier said than done with a fluctuating class schedule, but you can always prepare healthy snacks ahead of time. This also extends to late-night eating and stress eating or eating while studying or watching TV. Those are prime times to eat more than you planned on, so make sure to avoid mindless eating and empty calories.
- Create a plan of attack. When you walk into the cafeteria, don’t assume the salad bar is your best friend. Yes, green, leafy vegetables are an important part of a nutritious diet, but cheese, croutons and full-fat dressing are diet saboteurs. Take a second to look around the dining hall at meal times and find the healthiest option available. Veggies (sans butter), whole grains and lean proteins like chicken and fish are your best bets.
- Watch your plate. Portion control can be difficult in a buffet-style dining hall, so make sure 2/3 of your plate is filled with fruit, veggies and whole grains and the other third is lean protein and healthy fats. Once you have your meal, try to avoid going for seconds. It’s tempting, but if you sit for a while, you’ll give your brain a chance to catch up with your stomach and realize you’re not hungry after all.
- Schedule exercise and sleep. If your school has a gym on campus, take advantage of it. If not, find an inexpensive one nearby that might give student discounts on memberships or head outdoors for a brisk walk or run. You should aim to get 30 minutes of exercise three days a week. It’ll not only help you clear your head and focus on your work, but ward off those extra pounds. And don’t forget to make time for sleep. It may be tempting to pull an all-nighter to get your paper done, but if you manage your time well, you should get about seven to eight hours of sleep most nights.
- Educate yourself. Knowledge is power, so head to the health center and talk to one of the nutritionists about how you can make healthier choices. And since they’re familiar with the campus, they’ll probably have helpful insider tips. You can also take a two-unit nutrition class. Take it pass/fail if you don’t want it adding to your GPA stress.
Have any other tips that have worked for you? I’d love to hear your first-hand advice and success stories!
rachel grice 