Why Nutrition Matters
Poor eating habits are linked to poor health, including weight gain, obesity, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. As a busy college student, maintaining a healthy diet can be challenging. That’s why we’re offering tips to help you stay on track.
Nutrition Tips:
- Balance your meals. Aim to include at least three food groups in your meals each day: fruits, vegetables, grains, healthy fats, protein and dairy. Try to limit foods high in solid fats, added sugar and salt. This includes things like cakes, candy, cookies, ice cream, pizza, sweetened drinks and fatty meats (e.g., bacon, hot dogs and sausage).
- Stick to a regular eating schedule. Eating three balanced meals with snacks in between helps maintain your energy throughout the day and keeps your metabolism active. If needed, set alarms or calendar reminders to help you stay on track.
- Don't skip breakfast.Research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information shows that skipping breakfast is linked to poor academic performance and negative impacts on mental health.
- Read nutrition labels.Labels provide important information on your intake of fat, sugar and salt, helping you make informed choices.
- Use smaller plates.Smaller plates can help with portion control and reduce the likelihood of overeating.
-
Drink water. Water is essential for good health, and drinking enough
can prevent dehydration, which may cause difficulty concentrating, mood changes,
constipation and kidney stones.
Pro Tip: Carry a water bottle to make it easier to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Healthy Snack Ideas
- Fruits
- Nuts
- Greek yogurt with granola
- Fruit bars
- Baked chips
- Vegetables with hummus or a low-fat Greek yogurt based dipping sauce
For more information or for counseling services, please request an appointment with campus dietitian, Leighann Scott.
References
- purdue global. (2020, July 31). healthy food options for busy college students. Retrieved from purdueglobal.edu: https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/student-life/healthy-food-options-college-students/
This post was written by undergraduate Dietetic student, Marie Eve Goudreau.