Healthy Food Tips for College Students

Giving back to a program, which strives to end hunger, is a commitment that we stand behind all the way.Going to college could be a mixture of stress, fun and discovery. Unfortunately for college students, being away at college often means fending off hunger all alone without parents or guardians around for support or guidance. This newfound freedom often leads to making the wrong decisions about food choices.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re a college student who’s looking to make healthier choices:

Balance: Similar to the rest of your schedule, balance is key. Know what you’re putting on your plate to make sure that you’re getting the right amount of nutrition that you need. This mostly requires balancing your vegetables, proteins and starches. Try to aim for filling half your plate with vegetables, then grab a quarter of protein such as chicken and some starch such as potatoes. Doing this will ensure that you have a well-balanced meal with all the healthy options.

Food on the Run: Your schedule is jam-packed with term papers and specified class times. Most college students would say that they skip meals because of how busy they get. Refrain from making this mistake! Your body needs to be fueled by food. If you are on-the-go during the morning hours, grab a granola bar. Fruits are portable, too. Munch on an apple while you’re trekking to class or have a banana while you’re finishing up the last few pages of the chapter. Getting a meal into your day shouldn’t be as time-consuming as you think.

Hydration: Water should be with you throughout your day. Invest in a refillable water bottle. Water is essential to maintain your daily activities. Walking from class to the library and to group meetings may have you reaching for your bottle. If you run low on water, most campuses offer plenty of water fountains, just fill your water bottle and keep it going. Water will keep you hydrated and alert throughout your day.

Dried Dorm Foods: Most dorm rooms do not have your typical kitchen equipment. You may find yourself investing in a hot plate or microwave, which would allow you to cook your own food in your dorm without having to venture out to the dining hall. Stock up on dry food options and pay attention to labels. Usually, you may think that dried foods are unhealthy but they really don’t have to be if you can identify the ingredients on the packaging.