You read that right! Whether you are on a meal plan or are living off-campus and cooking for yourself, there are many ways to maintain a balanced, healthy diet while in college.

Check out simple tips that will help you eat well and be well.

1. Schedule your meals ahead of time.

Consistency is key! Having a general idea of the times you will have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day will give you the structure needed to practice a healthy lifestyle while also giving your body a sense of routine.

2. Watch your portion size.

It's not only about the 'what'…it's also about the 'how much'. Whether you are eating pasta for dinner or pairing your grilled chicken with a side of baked, sweet potato fries for lunch, having balanced proportions between carbs, protein, vegetables, and fats is imperative to healthy-eating.

Check out some examples of portion sizes below.

3. Snack on the good stuff.

Hungry between classes? Need something to munch on during those late-night study sessions at the library? Having an array of nutritious and energy-packed snacks to eat throughout the day is one of the keys to supporting your healthy diet.

From fruits and vegetables to nuts, whole foods are fulfilling snack option that not only nourishes your body but also give you the energy to push through your days. Check out a list of healthy snack options below!

• Nuts: almonds, cashews, pecans, peanuts, sunflower seeds.
• Fresh fruits: apples, bananas, grapes, cherries, oranges, berries.
• Dried Fruits: mangos, strawberries, peaches, strawberries.
• Vegetables: carrots, celery, cucumber, broccoli, jicama.

4. Drink tons of water

Major key alert! *DJ Khaled's voice*

H2O is so important to maintaining good health! From replenishing your body to nourishing your skin, drinking at least half a gallon of water (or eight 8-ounce glasses) is crucial to maintaining good health.

You might be thinking "this amount is easier said than done, how can I reach this without feeling like I have to drink 8 glasses of water at once?" Here are some techniques that have helped me surpass the recommended water quantity mentioned above:

• Drinking a bottle of water when I wake up and before I go to sleep
• Setting alarms on my phone throughout the day
• Investing in a 32-ounce water bottle (refilling 2-3 times a day)
• Drinking a full glass of water before every meal

5. Treat yourself.

Practicing healthy-eating is not only about being conscious of what you put into your body and where you are getting your energy from, but it is also about knowing when to satisfy your cravings.

Something that I have found to be helpful has been picking a day during the weekend to have a "cheat meal." Having a "cheat meal" will not only allow you to fulfill your cravings but will also help you remain on track with your healthy eating habits. Remember, it's all about BALANCE!