How to Eat Well at University and After
July 13, 2012
It’s important to remember, “you are what you eat,” and what you eat is important to how your body works. It’s hard, but this is where planning ahead comes in: plan to eat every 2-3 hours (or around 5-7 small meals a day). It’s important for you to have a protein in each meal, even if you’re a vegetarian. Vegetables and healthy fats are also important for your University habits. If you have classes back-to-back, and don’t have time to visit your dorm room in between, think about investing in a small lunch box that will keep your items cool. If not, many of these choices can be found in your University’s cafeteria. Remember, that pizza may look good at first, but you will be kicking yourself later when you’re on the treadmill.
There are many foods you can keep in your dorm room that are good for you: bananas, almonds, peanut butter, canned tuna and wheat bread, just for starters. If you’re allowed to have a microwave or coffee maker, it’s also a good idea to keep green tea bags in your room for those late night study sessions. For those of you who have already graduated, think about buying items like salmon, chicken, strawberries and oranges. It’s important to ditch the popular foods, such as sugary cereals, soda, chips and cookies. If you’re craving something sweet, think about a fruit smoothie or even a piece of whole wheat toast with Nutella.
Many students tend to think of their time at University as their time to meet new people by going out, and that’s OK. Just remember that alcohol has added calories that can add up quickly. As long as you are of age, it’s fine to have a drink if you go out, but if you want to avoid the dreaded freshman 15, then skip the second and third round. This advice also works for those of us who have already received our degree, and just want to get healthy.
There are plenty of websites you can go to which give you ways to slim down, tone up or simply keep in shape, and it’s smart to look at these sites for inspiration. Remember, cardio is always good for your body.
I don’t have a degree in health or nutrition, these are just things that have worked for me. It’s important to remember that these are just ideas, you can alter or add anything you want. It’s also important to remember that it’s okay to have cheat days, having a slice of pizza or drinking a bottle of pop is inevitable; just remember to balance your choices. If you have any tips or more advice you would like to see, let me know on my twitter: Ashley_Ammondxo. It’s important to stay healthy in school and after graduation. A healthy body is a healthy mind, and nothing is better than that.
Categories:
About the Author
Ashley
I’ve just graduated from Cleveland State University with a B.A in Journalism, and am currently working as a Manager in Training at Abercrombie & Fitch. I’m an Ohio-based writer who loves fashion, yoga, books and reality TV. I am passionate about my writing, and would like to eventually freelance for a publication in the magazine field. My dream freelance job would be to contribute to Teen Vogue.
Have your say...