Practicing Healthy Eating Habits For College Students

From various nutritional study on college students, it was found that one in four students gained 10 pounds or more during their first year on campus. It was a result of unhealthy eating habits such as unfettered access to buffet-style dining halls, late-night food delivery, campus sundae bars, as well as cheap ramen. It was also found that the students who gained weight ate fewer vegetables and fruits and had high intake in fattier foods consumption while having not enough sleep. 

Negative effects of poor eating habits

Poor eating habits will lead to various health issues. Aside from gaining unhealthy amount of weight, unhealthy eating habits may also lead to susceptibility to illness, difficulty in concentrating, losing focus, and increased fatigue. Other severe issues that can be possibly caused by poor eating habits include irritability, menstrual problems, depression, anxiety, as well as sleep difficulty. 

Keep in mind that junk foods and any other unhealthy snacks don’t provide any nutritional value that you need to perform well in school. College students often indulge themselves in caffeine,  fats, sugars and carbohydrates, processed meats, and sodium. These are detrimental to your health in the long run. Hence, it is important to develop healthy eating habit at a young age to prepare yourself for a lifetime of healthy eating. 

Making conscious decision 

It is important to make conscious decision when choosing which foods to eat during your college days. If you are college student who have no access to kitchen facility, you can eat on campus regularly. However, make sure to choose well. Fortunately, most schools now are offering healthier choices in their dining hall. Learn to navigate through all the available food options so you can make the best choices. 

Making healthier meals in your dorm room

It is possible that your dorm provide public kitchen where you and other students can share it to cook. You may have different preferences so you can store a variety of food in your own room. You can stock up some fruits, healthy snacks, and vegetables and make sure to store them at room temperature. 

Eating healthy on  a budget

Eating healthy is not always so expensive. You can practice healthy eating habits on a budget as well. Choose ingredients that healthy yet easy to prepare. It’s also helpful to plan your meals in advance since you can save your time and money. You can also cook larger dishes where you can store them to eat at another time. 

Avoid vending machine and drink more water

Drinking enough water is just as important as eating healthy meals. Your body needs water to function properly. It is easy to fall into temptation of a vending machine where you can just grab sodas or caffeinated beverages. However, it is best to stick to water to keep you hydrated. Carry your own water bottle in your backpack and refill between classes. Staying hydrated is vital because it leads to more energy, better skin, as well as better health in overall.