Consuming healthy and nutritionally dense foods is especially important when spending much of your time in class and studying. However, most college students may agree that healthy choices aren't always that easy to find, and many freshmen discover that they quickly begin gaining weight once they enter college. For many students, understanding just why healthy food is key during the college years provides the motivation to seek it out.
Disease Prevention
Eating a well-balanced diet reduces your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and depression. On the other hand, foods that are high in fat, calories, cholesterol and sodium increase your chances of developing these health conditions. If you are able to, cook your own meals so that you can control what ingredients are used. If your only choice is the dining hall, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute recommends asking for fat-free milk and cheese, having egg whites instead of whole eggs, choosing lean meats and filling up on fruits and vegetables without added salt and sugar.
Energy
Eating a poor diet results in lack of energy and sluggishness, conditions that are not conducive to success in college. A diet rich in foods from each of the food groups provides your body with the nutrition it needs to power through class and study sessions. Carbohydrates are your body's main source of energy and choosing the right ones will give you the most benefit. Whole grains are digested more slowly than refined ones and provide long-lasting energy. B vitamins are another nutrient that works by allowing your body to efficiently use the energy from your food. Whole grains, lean meats, beans, eggs and nuts are good sources of B vitamins.
Weight Management
Healthy foods are typically low in fat and calories and help you maintain a healthy weight. If you have already gained weight in college, diet alterations that move you toward more healthy foods will result in losing any excess pounds. Choose plenty of lean meats and protein, fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy foods and whole grains. These choices will fill you up, but with fewer calories and fat grams than typical dining hall fare, such as pizza and French fries. If you can't find these healthy options in the cafeteria, consider installing a mini fridge in your dorm room so that you can stock up on essentials for weight loss and maintenance. Combine a healthy meal plan with at least 30 minutes of daily exercise to prevent pounds from creeping on.
Hunger Satisfaction
Choosing the right meals, whether you eat in the dining hall or prepare them yourself, is vital to staying healthy all through your college years. But, don't overestimate the importance of smart snacks, which fuel your body between meals and help you stay focused in class and when hitting the books. Sound choices include: fruits and vegetables, string cheese, nuts, whole-grain crackers with low-fat cheese, granola bars, popcorn, trail mix and yogurt. Carry healthy snacks with you to class and keep them on hand in your dorm room so you aren't tempted to grab something unhealthy when hunger strikes.
