In college, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy diet. Between late-night cram sessions, boozy brunches, and all-nighters, it’s easy to let your diet fall by the wayside. But with a little bit of planning and some simple tips, you can make sure that you’re still eating healthy even when you’re busy. Here are four tips to get you started!
1. How to find cheap and healthy food
One of the best ways to make sure you’re eating healthy in college is to stick to a budget. To do that, first, you need to plan your meals ahead of time. Meal planning will help you avoid buying expensive takeout or unhealthy snacks.
This brings it to the next point: cooking your meals at home. This way, you get to take control of what ingredients you eat. It’s also wise to shop for your food at discount stores like Walmart or Aldi. These stores offer affordable healthy options like fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain bread. Besides, home-cooked meals are usually cheaper and more nutritious than takeout or restaurant food.
2. Healthy snacks on the go
Healthy snacks are a much better option than junk food. Not only are they cheaper and more nutritious, but they also tend to be more filling. This means that you’ll be less likely to overeat later on.
Some great healthy snacks to take with you on the go include fresh fruit, vegetables, trail mix, yogurt, and whole-grain crackers. If you’re looking for something sweet, try a piece of dark chocolate instead of a candy bar or cake. And if you’re really in a bind, pack a few Lara Bars or an apple with almond butter for a quick and healthy snack.
3. What to do when you’re too tired to cook
Healthy ready-to-eat meals can be a lifesaver when you’re too tired to cook. However, always be mindful of your dietary needs and preferences.
One excellent option is to buy a prepackaged meal plan from a company like Freshly or Blue Apron. These services provide customers with pre-prepared ingredients, so all they have to do is follow the recipe and cook the food.
4. The importance of breakfast (and how to make it healthier)
Diabetes experts recommend that people with diabetes eat a healthy and balanced diet. This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks. Eating a healthy diet is especially important for people with diabetes. Doing so can help them maintain blood sugar control and reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related complications.
Especially if you are trying to maintain your sugar level, cereal might be a popular breakfast choice, but it’s not the healthiest option. Here are a few healthier alternatives to cereal that you can try instead!
Oatmeal is a great choice for breakfast because it’s high in fiber and protein. You can make it with milk or water and add your favorite toppings like nuts, berries, or honey.
Another healthy option is eggs. Eggs are packed with protein, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. You can prepare them in many different ways, like scrambled, boiled, or poached.
If you’re looking for something lighter, try a piece of fruit or some toast with nut butter or jam. And if you’re in a hurry, a smoothie is a quick and easy breakfast option.
Tips for eating out without blowing your diet
When you’re in college, you will inevitably end up eating out, at least occasionally. Here are a few tips to ensure your diet doesn’t fall apart when you go out:
- Take control of what you order: A great way to do this is to learn how to say no when the waiter asks if you want something with your food (such as extra cheese, dressing, or chips). Also, ask for your salad dressing on the side so you can control how much of it you use.
- Choose healthy options: This will help you stay in control and keep yourself from ordering something that’s not good for you just because it’s the only thing available.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for substitutes: For example, say you go out to a restaurant that serves burgers or pizza. You can always ask if they can make your meal with just veggies and meat instead of bread. You can also ask for whole-wheat pasta instead of white pasta at Italian restaurants.
In the end, it’s all about balance. Whether you’re a college student or a working professional used to eating healthy, there are always going to be obstacles in your way. But with some planning and these tips for how to eat healthy when you have no time or energy, you’ll feel better both physically and mentally.
