It may be a nerve-wracking period of transition for students heading to college. It's a fresh start with new lodgings, new friends, and new courses. I may not be able to assist you in deciding which sorority to rush or determining whether or not he is really interested in you, but I can certainly assist you in avoiding the freshman (or sophomore, junior, or senior) 15.
Because your brain is certain to be busy with many other things, I'd want to offer you a little present in the hopes that it will keep eating well at the top of your priority list.
In fact, you'll discover that being prepared accounts for 90% of everything you accomplish in life. So, if you're ready to eat healthily and know where nutritious foods can always be found, sticking to your plan will be simple. The same lesson applies to your schooling, but I'll leave that to your parents to point out.
Here's how to put your health first this semester so you can succeed in college.
Jump to:
1. Eat breakfast, even if you wake up in the middle of the day
Start your day with a nutritious breakfast that contains a high-fiber carbohydrate (fruit and/or whole wheat bread, for example) and lean protein, and/or healthy fat, even if you wake up at midday.
It will not only assist to restart your metabolism, balancing your blood sugar, manage your appetite, and improving your energy, but studies have repeatedly proved that students who eat a nutritious breakfast do better in their courses. Keep healthful things in your dorm room for on-the-go meals, even if you don't have time to sit down for breakfast.
2. Eat your way through the dining hall with aplomb
Consider your lunch strategy before entering the dining hall. Are you on your way to the salad bar or the sandwich counter? Do you want to order a hot entrée or a soup? Whichever option you select, make sure you're prepared before you enter and stick to the game plan. Treat this as if you were writing a paper or preparing for a chemistry exam. It's equally as vital and a lot more enjoyable! Here are some pointers for any route you choose:
- Grilled chicken (or burger or vegetarian burger) on a whole wheat bun or bread is a good option. Serve with a plate of brown rice and vegetables from the salad bar. These fiber-rich, nutritious carbohydrates will keep you fuller for longer while offering more nutrients than white bread or white rice.
- Increase the amount of vegetables: Add additional veggies from the salad bar to an open-faced turkey sandwich or wrap, such as beets or roasted peppers. This will make it more satisfying without adding unnecessary calories to the diet.
- At the salad bar, eat the rainbow: Combine as many colors as you can on top of your leafy greens and serve with a decent dose of protein. If you have a test after lunch, keep this advice in mind! Leafy greens, avocados, and blueberries are all good for staying focused and improving brain function.
- Avoid the buttery sauces: If the hot dish seems to be too lada en with buttery sauce, pass it up. Instead, go for the hot vegetables and top your dish with lean protein from the sandwich station.
- Keep your servings in check: Instead than using family-sized dishes, pour cereal into a tiny coffee cup and top with protein. When cereal is delivered in large, self-serve dispensers, it's difficult to gauge how much to pour. Better yet, opt for a hot cereal such as oatmeal, which is healthier than most cold cereals.
- Seltzer vs soda: Seltzer should always be chosen over sodas and juices from the drink dispensers. Water is also essential for hydration; it makes up 60% of our bodies and may help combat the seasonal slump during the colder winter months.
- Do not linger in the dining room. You can eat it. Lingering might lead to you eating more than you need just because you are present.
- Don't forget to have a peek around and see what's available. Many baked, broiled, steaming, roasted, or grilled alternatives are available. This will make avoiding fried, sautéed, breaded, crunchy, creamed, batter-dipped, or buttered items much simpler.
3. Be sure to complete exercise 101
Plugin where and when you'll exercise while you're planning your semester and know your schedule, just like it's a lesson you can't skip. That's correct, you should prioritize physical exercise in your calendar alongside courses, study sessions, group meetings, social activities, and other commitments.
Daily exercise may improve your mood, alleviate stress and anxiety, enhance your energy, encourage better sleep, and help you manage your weight, whether you go to the gym, walk to class, join an intramural sports team, take a fitness class for credit, or set up a workout zone in your room.
4. Limit your caffeine intake
While one to two cups of coffee per day is OK, don't rely on soda, coffee, or energy drinks to replace sleep. This may have the opposite effect, causing sleeplessness, attention problems, restlessness, and anxiety. Instead, make an effort to obtain enough sleep (8 hours each night) and take mental pauses when studying to keep yourself refreshed. Maintaining your energy levels requires a regular workout routine and the consumption of nutrient-dense snacks throughout the day.
5. Always have nutritious snacks with you when you leave the house
Keep nutritious snacks on hand to keep your brain fueled and your blood sugar stable between lessons. Set yourself up for success by filling your pantry and keeping a healthy, non-perishable snack in your bag at all times. Request nutritious care packages from family and friends, and include a list of the foods you'd want to receive. They'll be ecstatic to do it. Promise.
I wish you a successful semester. Prepare yourself to succeed, and you'll be on your way to being a healthy diet hero in no time. Make the mature habit of choosing healthy choices now, and it will serve as a basis for when you enter the workforce.
But, with that stated, take advantage of sleeping late, having Fridays off, and new experiences while you can, since you'll regret those undergraduate privileges after you graduate.
