Here are some tips for avoiding the infamous freshman fifteen while in college.
Fill Up on Healthy Foods at the Dining Halls
The dining hall, which often comes as a side benefit to living in the dorms or on-campus, is a great way to eat on a budget. Most of the time, these are places that include an all-you-can-eat style, so you can go back for multiple helpings and choose from a wider variety.
However, be sure that when you are filling up, make better choices. For instance, try to stock your salads with low calorie vegetables rather than bacon bits and ranch sauce. Choose whole grain cereals instead of sugar filled alternatives.
Take Nutritional Supplements
Even if you are consciously making healthy choices, you may still be lacking in vitamins and minerals that you need in order to have your body performing at its best.
For instance, if you have a difficult time getting enough servings of fruits and vegetables into your daily meal plan, you may want to consider a supplement such as a green superfood powder, or capsules that are filled with nutrients.
Meal Prep Before the Week Begins
When you are busy during the week with classes, homework, projects, and a job for many students, it can seem impossible to bring your own lunch on campus. You can easily work around this by meal prepping your lunches and snacks before the school week begins.
This way, all you have to do is grab your lunch on the way out the door. With meal prepping, you have control over what you eat, and you can also avoid spending extra money on campus for a lunch that will probably offer less nutritional value.
Coordinate with Roommates
If you live in an apartment or shared dorm room, then it may be a good idea to team up with your roommates or suite mates and split the cost of groceries. This can make it much cheaper for everyone, and you can get some of the foods that you really want at less of an up front cost. Try to find ingredients that everyone likes so that there will be less of a hassle trying to figure out the logistics of the grocery bill as well.
Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
When you are going from class to class, you may be tempted to stop and buy a slice of pizza or a cookie in order to satiate yourself. However, there are many healthy snacks that will keep four hours in your backpack, so that you can have nutrition on the go.
Some of the easiest options include whole grain crackers and cheese, fruits like grapes or bananas, or even granola bars and trail mix. You will be thankful for your snacks when you do not have to wait in line to purchase something while hungry.
other valuable tips:
Student Health: 3 Reasons Not to Settle for Eating Only Ramen
Make Informed Decisions When Eating Out
Depending on where you are going to college, you will no doubt experience the intoxicating night life of a college town. Many cities have unique dining experiences that you should not pass up. However, when doing so, you can also opt for healthier menu choices, so that you are not sacrificing your health to enjoy delicious eats. Study the menu before going out, so that you know what to order and have any other questions ready for your server.
It does not have to be a challenge to make healthy and inexpensive food choices while you are in college. With these tips, you will be able to shop on a budget and not gain weight from poor eating habits.
Image Credit: eat healthy and cheaply by Pixabay
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