‘Tis the season for stress eating! If you’re like me and absolutely cannot study without devouring a sleeve of Mint Oreos, or if you would never frequent the library as often if a Starbucks wasn’t located on your immediate right upon entry (Um, hello? Calories don’t count if it’s a Tall!), then you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Final exams and papers are right around the corner. The stress and boredom of studying for hours on end causes a lot ofus to binge, eat at ungodly hours of the night, and eat when we’re not hungry. Not only does this turn the Freshman 15 into the Freshman 50, it also affects our studying! Not eating nutritiously makes you feel lazy, tired – even depressed. Of all the times of the year, this is the time to feel most alert and motivated. Here are a few healthier options to choose from at some of our favorite places to eat on campus!
Chik-Fil-A
Instead of…
- 8-count Chicken Nuggets (260 cal)
- Waffle Potato Fries (medium) (360 cal)
-
Bottled Water (0 cal)
Total Calories: 620
Try…
- Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich (300 cal)
- Side Salad (70 cal)
-
Diet Lemonade (20 cal)
Total Calories: 390
PC Dukes
Instead of…
- Beef Nachos (1592 cal)
-
Coke (170 cal)
Total Calories: 1,762
Try…
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad in a Pita (718 cal)
- Banana (184 cal)
-
Water (0 cal)
Total Calories: 902
Festival
Instead of…
- Roast Turkey Breast with Gravy (333.5 cal)
- Mashed Potatoes (139 cal)
- Stuffing (386 cal)
-
Powerade (60 cal)
Total Calories: 918.5
Try…
- Barbeque Chicken (156 cal)
- Baked Sweet Potato (228 cal)
- Corn on the Cob (62 cal)
-
Water (0 cal)
Total Calories: 442
Starbucks
Instead of…
- Caramel Frappuccino (380 cal)
-
Raspberry Scone (500 cal)
Total Calories: 880
Try…
- Iced Skinny Flavored Latte (110 cal)
-
Marble Pound Cake (350 cal)
Total Calories: 460
It’s shocking how many calories are in some of the yummiest foods at JMU! Eating better will improve your mood and give you one less priority to worry about this month – your weight! Fruit and vegetables, although some can be high in calories, are always a better option than greasy, fried food because they contain essential vitamins and minerals that help your brain keep focus and your body energized. Remember to make time to exercise too and you will be well on your way to a hot bod and a high GPA!
Sources:
http://www.campusdish.com/en-US/CSMA/JMU/Nutrition/
http://www.healthyweightforum.org
www.livestrong.com