How to Maintain a Healthy Diet in College: Tips and Tricks for Eating Well on Campus

Eating healthy while in college can be a challenge. For some students it is the first time they have had complete control of their food intake. Others, it could be a lack of healthy options or time. Fear not, finding your groove to maintain a healthy diet while in school is possible. *Below you will find some tips on maintaining a healthy diet while in college:

• Plan Ahead Poor dietary choices are often made out of convenience. Taking some time to plan out your day in advanced can allow you to fit a balanced meal into your schedule. I recommend choosing a convenient day once a week to plan your meals for the entire week.

• Stock up on Some Healthier Grab and Go Items Inevitably, there will be days that your plans get thrown out the window, and time is so short that you have no other option besides a quick snack. Stock up on some healthy grab and go options to mitigate your chances of grabbing an unhealthy snack. Some Healthy On-the-Go Snack Options:

  • If you have access to a fridge, prep some fruits and veggies at the beginning of each week. You can put them in a Ziploc or a plastic container to grab on your way out.

  • Nuts and Nut Butters- Nuts can be a great source of healthy fats. Just be aware of serving sizes as they can pack a caloric punch.

  • String Cheese- Another good source of fats.

  • Jerky- A great protein option on the go.

  • Yogurt- Yogurt has fats and proteins.

  • Popcorn- Popcorn is a lower calorie snack that has fiber. Fiber will help you feel fuller longer.
    

• Eat Small and Frequent Meals

Eating smaller but more frequent meals will keep you full, and help boost your metabolism. It can be easy to skip meals when in college because you are super busy. Try to build the habit of eating at regular intervals by building meal times into your time management plan.

• Be Kind to Yourself

Eating a healthy diet 100% of the time is not always realistic. The important thing is moderation and building healthy habits. Eat what you enjoy, and just focus on incorporating healthy options each day.

*Be advised, I am not a doctor, and recommend talking with your doctor or a nutritionist before making any dietary changes.