Transitioning into the college life is challenging in many aspects. But coming from home-cooked, healthy meals every day and now going to dining hall food and ramen can be a huge stressor. You ate healthy at home and you want to continue that lifestyle in college, I get it! Luckily, there are ways around the junky college food!
1. Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is filled with probiotics, fiber, calcium, and protein! Your taste buds and your gut will be thanking you. Starting your morning off with a cup of greek yogurt can set the tone for the rest of the day: creamy and delicious? You decide. Pair your yogurt with some fresh fruit and granola for an extra crunch and some added nutritional benefits!
2. Nuts
Almonds, walnuts, cashews, you name it. These
nuts are loaded with fiber and will help boost your metabolism! They're also
very easy to just grab and go as you are running out the door to make it to
your 10 a.m. on time! Nuts are great for snacking in between classes!
3. Fruit!
Everyone loves fruit and there are so many great benefits of eating it! It's also fairly easy to get a hold of on campus. Check your campus markets, dining halls, or student centers for these fiber filled, vitamin-rich, digestive aiding fruits. My favorites are bananas, apples, strawberries, and grapes!
4. Green tea
Green tea can fix anything if you try hard enough. That's what I say at least. Green tea can help boost your metabolism by 4% in just one day! It also helps clear your skin, flush out toxins, and will give you better breath! Who doesn't want all of those benefits? Brew yourself a hot cup of green tea in the morning and you are ready to tackle on the day.
5. Whole grains
I have yet to meet a college student who doesn't like pasta. Sure, pasta isn't always the healthiest choice but pairing whole grain noodles with a homemade tomato sauce is your best option when it comes to being healthy while still enjoying those carbs. You can also buy whole grain muffins, bagels, and bread to keep in your dorm room! Our daily caloric intake should mainly consist of carbohydrates, so be sure to keep them healthy!
6. Cheese
There are many controversies over whether or not cheese is healthy for you. In my opinion, anything eaten in moderation can serve many benefits to your body. Cheese is high in calcium and is a great source of protein. It is also great for the heart! However, I'm not saying when you binge out on a pizza you're doing yourself a favor. Cheese should be eaten in moderation and in small portions. Grab some string cheese from the market and snack on this in between meals. It will keep you satisfied while giving you plenty of benefits in the meantime!
7. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be used for absolutely anything you want it to! It is great for hair and skin and it has an awesome nutritional value as well! I like to mix a tablespoon or so in with my coffee in the morning. It helps with weight loss and will keep your skin clear and soft! Coconut oil is also a great alternative oil to cook with. All of the dorms on campus are equipped with some sort of kitchen so go finds yours and get cooking!!!
8. Water, water, water, and water!
I have been a water enthusiast for as long as I can remember. There are just so many amazing benefits. Some great things water can do for you are: flush out toxins and waste, clear your skin, promote hair growth, jump-start your metabolism, keep you feeling fuller longer, and many more! So grab your water bottles (ladies, I know you have those cute monogrammed Yeti's) and bring it around with you to your classes! There are water fountains scattered throughout campus so start hydrating !!! (Especially if you are a coffee drinker. Hydrate before you caffeinate!)
9. Vegetables
Not everyone likes them, but we all need them! Vegetables are jam packed with fiber and antioxidants. They also help keep our skin and eyes healthy. A fan favorite amongst the dorm rooms is carrots and hummus! This is a great balance of veggies as well as a healthy source of fat!
10. Almond Milk
If you're one of the few, like myself, who does not like regular dairy milk, almond milk is perfect for you! Almond milk has 50% more calcium than the leading dairy milks out there. Almond milk is also a great aid in weight loss. With 60% less calories than dairy milk, almond milk should be your go-to. Other benefits of almond milk include: promotes kidney health, lowers risk for heart disease, and it is blood sugar friendly.
Although it can be quite challenging at times to eat healthy while in college because we are constantly surrounded by cookies that can be delivered at 2 a.m., pizza places on every corner, diners that are open 24 hours, and bars, you don't have to give in to these places! Just stock your dorm room with the healthy necessities above and you will be thanking yourself later once you realized you didn't put on the freshman 15 and you are an overall happier and healthier person!
