I've learned a lot about myself since I started college. I've gone through a lot of body changes and eating habits. There have been times where I eat really unhealthy, snacking throughout the day. Lately, I've been watching what I eat and it's helped my health tremendously. Watching what I eat doesn't mean tracking every single calorie I put in my body. It means to be aware of what I'm putting in my body and trying to get all the nutrients my body needs. Here are a few reasons why eating healthy is beneficial for anyone, especially college students.
1. Improves academic performance.
Eating healthy improves focus and attentiveness that you need to have during class. If you notice, when you eat unhealthily, you most likely go into a "food coma" which destroys your focus. Even something like drinking enough water improves learning information.
2. Helps stabilizes mood and depression.
Eating unhealthy isn't good for mental health. Studies show people who eat foods with a lot of high glycemic load are more prone to depression. A high glycemic load diet includes things like refined carbohydrates such as soda, white bread, and candy. Many people refer to this as "bad carbs". Some foods that have a lower glycemic load are veggies, whole fruit and whole grains.
3. Stabilizes body weight.
A balanced diet will help maintain a healthy weight. Even if you don't have time to exercise frequently, a good diet will help you out a lot.
4. Boosts energy.
I know a lot of students rely on coffee. I used to drink multiple cups of coffee a day to keep going. Now, I only drink one cup of black coffee a day in the morning. Having a healthy diet will help you stay energized throughout the day so you don't have to drink a lot of coffee.
5. You'll be an overall better student.
Practicing a healthy lifestyle will help you be a better student. You'll have better focus in class, a better body, and more energy!
