First published: 3 February 2022 @ 6:00 pm
The college years are a time of great transition. You’re no longer home, so you’re also no longer living under your parents’ watchful eye.
That means you have to learn how to make your own decisions about what you eat and how much exercise you get. It can be hard to settle into healthy eating habits in an unfamiliar environment, but it’s very important!
Healthy eating has a number of benefits for your health. It helps prevent diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity and more.
Healthy eating also promotes good mental health by helping reduce stress and anxiety levels in college students. It is also very important for building muscle mass as well as keeping the body fit.
In this article, we will help you figure out what foods are healthy and how to find the balance between healthy eating and exercise. Here are some healthy eating tips for students:
1. Research into Your Campus Facilities
Sometimes, universities offer their own campus meal plan. Students who live on campus receive free meals every day in the dining hall (or other facility) where they live.
You can research into these plans to see if they offer balanced meals that are sufficient for your diet. If they do, then that’s already half the work! You can just head onto the salad bar on campus when you need that healthy pick up.
But if they don’t, you might need to reconsider and find a healthier alternative by yourself.
2. Start Meal Planning
Now that you know where to get your meals, start planning them. Plan your meals in advance to make sure you don’t run out of food and have to eat out of the dining hall.
When planning your meals, make sure to include lean protein, fresh fruit, leafy greens, and other wholesome foods. Having a well-rounded plan is crucial to maintaining a healthy diet.
Planning your meals can help keep you from relying on quick fixes like junk food and energy drinks whenever you find yourself cramped between assignments and classes.
You can use free smartphone apps such as MyFitnessPal or MyPlate to help you plan your meals and track them as well.
Click on the next page to read more about tips for healthy eating as a college student!