For most of us, coming to college is the first time you will have access to unlimited food for three meals a day seven days a week. While having the option of pizza or soda or dessert at every meal may sound appealing, I have found it a bit overwhelming. Especially when you are used to limited options which are generally healthy. As an athlete, I am still finding that balance of making the most of what the dining hall has to offer and making sure I have a well-proportioned plate. Even if that means not having cookies and cream ice cream everyday!
Here are some of the tips I’ve discovered so far to make sure you are eating smart in college:
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Make sure you are getting veggies at every meal – Vegetables are hard to come by in dining halls, especially good ones. I have been mildly disappointed by each veggie dish I’ve tried, but they are necessary! Whether it means eating the overcooked carrots or getting a small side salad, vegetables help fill you up and have plenty of vitamins and necessary nutrients.
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Drink lots of water – Drinking a glass of water before every meal helps fill you up so you are not as hungry, thus allowing you to make healthier decisions when choosing your meal and making you not eat as much. Water also helps with digestion, bloating, and a plethora of other health benefits. It is also a great way to determine whether that pang you feel in your stomach is thirst or hunger. Rather than reaching for the first food in site, drink a glass of water and give yourself to time to understand your body’s real needs.
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Protein! – I try to have one source of protein at each meal. It fills you up and keeps you sustained longer than most carbs. So next time you’re reaching for another “decent” muffin in the morning, choose eggs instead! One of my bad habits is going for a sweet bread or pastry in the morning, not because they are amazing, but because it’s easy. Even if you are a vegetarian, there are plenty of options besides meat; from eggs to beans to nuts.
- Create a plan ahead of time – Lot’s of colleges give you the option of looking at what meals are being served at the dining halls that day. Do your research! It is SO helpful to write down what you plan to eat that day to help you resist other temptations. Having a plan keeps you honest. If your college even has the option of looking at the calories of each dish, this may cause some brutal realizations, but it will make you think twice.
- Keep healthy snacks in your dorm room – Snacks are important to keep your metabolism going, but they are also a time when you choose the easiest, to-go option, which are not always the healthiest. By keeping a stash of apples or other simple fruits and veggies (which are free in the dining hall!) in your dorm room and backpack, you can avoid splurging at the vending machine in the library for a quick-fix.
These are just a few of my tricks I’ve discovered thus far. By keeping these in mind, you can weed out some of your bad habits and follow the path to a new and healthier lifestyle!