Sunday, August 7, 2011

College-Style

College-Style

Eating Healthy at College

Posted: 06 Aug 2011 08:28 AM PDT

By Megan R. of George Brown College. Follow me on Twitter @meggles_07

College is the time for exploring and getting to know yourself, earning more freedom, trying your best to stay on top of all your work, and staying up until horrendous hours trying to finish that paper that’s due tomorrow at noon. With all the running around and rushing from class to class, who has time to eat, right? I know I hardly ate breakfast in high school because I was just rushing out the door, and frankly, at 6 in the morning, food was not on my mind.

The unfortunate part about rushing around campus, and skipping meals is that you either end up not eating at all, or you get so hungry you make choices that may be satisfying at the moment but will end up hurting your waistline, mood and energy. For myself, I am living at home while going to college so I have the benefit of being able to have home cooked meals when I get home. When you live on campus and are eating food from a meal plan, your choices are limited. If you are lucky enough to have the ability to cook some things either in your room or in a kitchen, you have the ability to make food yourself, and if your able to you can make a large meal on Sunday night, and freeze it or keep it in the fridge for quick meals through-out the week.

Pizza and Take-Out is a great option once in a while, but try to limit it to that.

Photo Credit

Meal Plan

Meal Plans are mandatory at most colleges if you are living in residence, and can be stocked with choices that aren’t always the best. Fresh fruit and veggies are always a good choice, along with grilled meats. When choosing pasta or bread, replace white wheat with whole wheat options for more fiber and an overall healthy choice. Dessert time? Things like frozen yogurt topped with fresh fruit are super yummy and great for you. Beware of toppings like candies and syrups. They taste great but are packed with calories. The bottom line: your best option for eating healthy on a meal plan is to try and stay away from fried and battered items and to pick grilled meats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and water! Avoid choosing things like juice and soda, water is the best choice and is a great thirst quencher. Diet soda is a better choice to regular soda, but try not to have too much. Also, things like crystal light and other products that you can add to water are a good alternative for a little variety.

Living at Home or On Your Own

If you are living at home then you are like me and have the comforts of mom and dad going grocery shopping and cooking meals. You will most likely always have a stocked fridge and pantry and will have better food options. From home, you can make yourself a lunch to take with you and some heathy snacks. Things like sandwiches and fruit are all good choices to bring from home. They travel well and don’t need much in the way of ingredients. Also, invest in a lunch bag, I know what you’re thinking: they are tacky and the only ones you ever see in stores are the Disney Princess or Lightning McQueen ones. Now don’t go and eliminate those, because I have a bright red Lightning McQueen one that lasted me all through high-school because it brought out the kid in me, but if that’s not your style, I got you covered. Try something like this:

Photo Credit

These look like purses, but are actually insulated lunch bags! Carrying one of these around campus looks cute. You can choose a simple neutral colour or add a pop of colour. The best part about these is that some of them actually have pockets on the outside, and some on the inside so you could stash a few pens, a bit of cash and maybe even your phone in there and use it as a purse. If you are going to do this, make sure you keep an eye on it like you would your purse so it doesn’t get lost or stolen. For more ideas on how to stay safe at college see this post. Also, if your concerned about putting money or your phone in the lunch bag, try placing items in a ziplock bag to keep any possible spills out.

Tips

  • Making simple changes like choosing whole wheat options. It still tastes yummy, and is good for you!
  • Carrot sticks and other veggies make great snack choices.
  • Try and stay away from the campus vending machine! It’s typically filled with empty calories, but if you find yourself needing a snack try getting things like pretzels, trail mix or gum.
  • Chewing gum is a great option, some people eat out of boredom (Yikes!) and by chewing on something you will curb your craving.
  • EAT BREAKFAST! Even if it’s a piece of toast or some fruit and yogurt. Eating breakfast makes you more likely to make smarter choices throughout the day. Plus, eating a good breakfast will help you wake up for that 8 a.m. class!
  • When getting your meal plan, choose the lowest option. Most colleges will let you change it throughout the year anyways, so until you know you need above and beyond the lowest plan, stick with it.
  • Try to stay away from fried foods, anything with words like crispy, fried, crunchy or battered means fried! Choose a grilled chicken burger instead of a crispy chicken burger.
  • Fast-food is bound to happen, but now most fast-food places have started to introduce healthier options like salads. My favourite right now is the Berry Almond Chicken Salad at Wendy’s. It’s a better option than some, and the half-size salad is only 270 calories. For a lighter option, skip the salad dressing and cheese.
  • Staying organized is key! If your school life is organized, the rest of your life will follow. Organization will help you plan out your meals and give you time to make smart choices. For more tips on how to stay organized in school, look at this article!
  • Cook with friends! If your able to, cook a meal with friends or have a pot luck dinner where everyone brings something. It’s a great social activity, and when you cook your own meal you see what is going into them so you can make better choices.
  • Drink water! It’s always the best choice when you’re looking for something to drink.

Thoughts?

Junk food isn’t a bad thing, but when you eat it everyday it’s not only bad for you, it gets boring. What do you think of my tips for eating healthier at college? What do you do to try and choose better options while running to class? Comment below, send an email to us at info@college-style.com or tweet us @Collegestyle12. We always love to hear what you guys think!

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