One of the biggest challenges for college students is maintaining a healthy diet. Between classes, studying, and socializing, it can be tough to find time to eat well. However, with a little bit of planning, you can make healthy choices that will keep you energized throughout the day. Unfortunately, it can be hard to cook a balanced meal in college and even harder to find time to eat a healthy one.
Between classes, studying, extracurriculars and socializing, many students snack on unhealthy foods or eat out more often than they’d like. But eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Plan ahead. If you know you have a busy day ahead, try packing some snacks or bringing a lunch with you instead of buying food on campus. This will help you stay away from unhealthy options and save money too!. Cook with friends. Cooking together is a great way to socialize and experiment with new recipes.
How to Eat Healthy in College
The average college student is busy.
Most students are busy with school work and other activities, so they don’t have a lot of time to cook. Unfortunately, this can lead to unhealthy eating habits, such as eating fast food or not eating. However, there are some ways that students can eat healthy in college. One way to eat healthy in college is to bring food from home.
For example, students can pack a lunch or bring snacks to class. Another option is to cook meals ahead of time and freeze them. This will save time in the long run.
Another way to eat healthy in college is to plan. Students can look up recipes online or in cookbooks and make a grocery list based on those recipes. This will help ensure that they have the ingredients for healthy meals. Eating healthy in college can be challenging, but it’s important for students’ health and wellbeing.
Meal Ideas
One of the best ways to make sure you’re eating healthy in college is to have quick and easy meal ideas at your disposal. You’ll be less likely to order unhealthy food or snacks from campus dining halls or vending machines. Here are a few of our favourite healthy meal ideas that can be made in a hurry:
- Quinoa bowls: Quinoa is a nutrient-rich grain that can be used. One of our favourites is the base for a quick and healthy quinoa bowl. Start by cooking the quinoa according to package instructions, then top with your favourite vegetables and proteins. Some of our favourites include roasted broccoli and grilled chicken or salmon.
- Burrito bowls: A burrito bowl is another excellent option for a quick and healthy meal.
Snacks
It can be hard to make healthy choices when you’re in college. Between late-night cram sessions and busy days, it’s easy to reach for unhealthy snacks. But snacks are an essential part of a healthy diet. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your snacks:
- Make sure your snacks are filling. Carrots and hummus or a piece of fruit with peanut butter are great options.
- Choose healthy snacks over junk food. For example, fresh fruit, vegetables, and nuts are better choices than processed foods.
- Avoid eating large portions of snacks. Again, portion control is vital for snacking. Furthermore, amount to small servings or pack a snack-sized bit in a container.
The Grocery Store
The grocery store can be confusing for someone trying to eat healthily. The different food options can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to make unhealthy choices if you’re not careful. So here are a few tips for eating healthy in the grocery store:
- Plan ahead. Before going to the grocery store, decide what you’ll eat for the week. This will help you stay focused and avoid buying junk food.
- Stick to the perimeter of the store. The grocery store is set up so that the healthiest foods are on edge, and the unhealthiest foods are in the middle. So stick to the produce aisle, the meat aisle, and the dairy aisle, and avoid the processed food section.
- Read nutrition labels carefully. Just because something is labelled as “healthy” doesn’t mean it is.
Dining Halls
The dining hall is one of the most important places on campus for maintaining a healthy diet. Most colleges have dining halls that offer healthy meal options, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat proteins and dairy products. You can also find meals that are lower in calories and saturated fat.
The best way to take advantage of the healthy options at the dining hall is to plan. Bring a cooler filled with healthy snacks and drinks, such as yogurt, fruit, water and vegetable juice. This will help you avoid the temptation to eat unhealthy foods like pizza and fries.
When you eat at the dining hall, try to make healthier choices. Choose dishes made with fresh ingredients, such as grilled chicken or fish instead of fried food. Opt for whole-grain bread and pasta over white bread and pasta.
Eating healthy in college can be challenging,
The temptations of college life can make it challenging to stick to a healthy diet, but it’s possible with a little bit of planning. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:
- Make sure you have plenty of healthy snacks on hand. Fresh fruits and veggies, yogurt, whole grain bread, and nuts are excellent choices.
- Try to avoid eating out at restaurants. It can be expensive and often the food is not very healthy.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities that involve physical activity. This will help keep you active and discourage you from snacking mindlessly in your dorm room.
- Make a point to eat breakfast every day. It’s the most important meal of the day, and it will help keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
University Magazine is part of the 
