As college women, we all know how easy it can be to fall into the trap of eating fast food and sweet treats. From that iced Americano to the oatmeal raisin cookies in the Muddy, calories are everywhere! And we might be consuming quite a few more than we even realize. It’s time to take a step back and really look at our diet. These five tips can help do just that and maybe even start a path toward healthy eating, even in the fast paced college life we live!
1. No more soda!
Let’s face it, the little caffeine buzz and refreshing taste you get from your favorite soda is very appealing. But the endless refills from the cafeteria soda fountain are not doing you any favors. Soda, fruit juice and Gatorade are all full of empty calories and sugar. Try replacing one sugary drink a day will a glass of water. If you’re not a fan of plain water, try the aqua fresca options in the muddy and caf. You can even make it in your own room. All you need is a water pitcher and a container of pre-cut fruit from Star Market and you’ll have fruit water of your choosing at all times!
2. Skip the dessert option
Every meal swipe comes with a dessert option. However, you don’t always have to have dessert! While a cookie or brownie may look tempting as you wait in the outrageous sandwich line, they’re not your friend. It’s proven that during stressful times your body begins to crave more comfort foods, such as sugary desserts. Try to override this craving by having fruit instead. Fruit naturally has sugar in it to calm your craving and is much better for your body and a balanced diet.
3. Add your own sugar to drinks, don’t get them pre-sweetened
This might seem like an odd tip, but most people don’t realize just how much sugar your Starbucks barista is dumping into your coffee. The average grande iced coffee at Starbucks contains 20 grams of sugar. Some drinks at Dunkin Donuts contain as much as 61 grams of sugar. By opting out of these sweetened drinks and adding your own sugar, you are taking control of your diet and saving yourself a lot of unnecessary calories!
4. Avoid the loaded burrito
Girls, hit your Hallelujah! It’s possible to cut calories and still get Chipotle! We have all been tempted, at one point or another, to order a burrito that it so full of deliciousness that the poor worker behind the counter is struggling to wrap it at all. As appealing as that may seem at the time, it’s never a good idea. Try a bowl instead. A chicken bowl with fajita veggies, green tomatillo sauce, guacamole and lettuce is only 455 calories as opposed to the nearly 950 calories of a fully loaded burrito.
5. Skip the chipotle mayo at Muddy
This one may sound simple but it can save you hundreds of calories during the week. Think back to every time you’ve gotten a sandwich at the Muddy this week alone. How many times did you say yes to the chipotle mayo? For most of us, it’s probably every single time. That little black container of awesome zesty goodness is very deceiving. It’s loaded with fats and calories. Most of us use up every last drop, scraping the sides to get all the mayo onto our precious southwest. When they pour a giant glob of it directly onto your plate it’s even worse! Next time grab a single pouch of mustard or plain mayo over by the grill instead. This lets you to control your calorie intake much more efficiently and still allows you to enjoy a little dressing on your sandwich.
I hope these tips help you on your way to controlling calories and improving your diet. Remember, every little bit helps!