One word to describe how students are going to feel during the next two weeks is "stressed." I know all I want to do is indulge in pizza and french fries. However, I know that's going to just make me feel bloated and even more drained than I already am. When I eat good, I feel good and that is so important.
It's important to know that sticking to a healthy eating plan during finals week will actually improve the way you feel and help you be able to study longer and more efficiently. Here are nine easy ways to help you maintain healthy eating habits during stressful times.
1. Don't call this a diet.
This will automatically put restrictions on you and place expectations upon you. You can call it something different like a lifestyle modification or just don't call it anything — no labels here.
2. Adding, not subtracting.
Instead of thinking about what to take out of your diet, think about what you can start adding to it. Whether you live in an apartment or a dorm, you can make the decision about whether you want to add a fruit or vegetable to your meal instead of potato chips.
3. Healthy snacks.
Stock your cupboard up with healthier snack options. A healthy snack is considered healthy when it has two different food groups (one being a lean protein) and fewer than 200 calories. Instead of going to grab the Chips Ahoy at 1 a.m., make sure to grab Triscuits and hummus or a banana with peanut butter.
4. Breakfast is important.
A typical breakfast for college students is cereal. Make sure you are picking a whole grain, low-sugar cereal, such as Cheerios, to fill you up for breakfast. I know they're yummy, but please ditch the Reese's Puffs.
5. Frozen veggies.
Frozen vegetables are your friends. They don't go bad as fast, are usually only 99 cents a bag, and you can add them to everything. I mean everything too. Never lose out on an opportunity to eat your vegetables.
6. Don't drink your calories.
Although it may seem necessary during finals to load up on caffeine and sugar, it is not that great for you. Sodas, energy drinks and juices contain so much sugar and calories that your body doesn't really like, even though you do. As you already know, water is definitely going to be your beverage of choice this finals season. If you're looking for something sweet, feel free to add your favorite fruits.
7. Water bottle.
Carry your water bottle everywhere. This will help you to stay hydrated at all times, and it will help you curb your appetite. If you feel a little hungry still after a meal, you are probably just thirsty. An easy way to calculate how much water you need is to divide your weight in half. That number will be the amount of water in ounces you should have in a day.
8. Don't be afraid of accommodations.
Don't be afraid to make requests about how your food is prepared. Whether you are in a dining hall or a restaurant, this is your food, not theirs. Don't be afraid to ditch the chili fries and ask for the double vegetable instead.
9. Don't cheat yourself.
Remember that everything is good in moderation. Go out with your friends for the last time before summer and grab a burger and fries. You most definitely should eat that pint of Ben and Jerry's while writing your five-page paper due tomorrow.
You deserve this.
You deserve to eat right for you and your body. During times of stress is when your body craves the nutrients from vegetables and fruits the most. Be incredible to yourself. You deserve to feel good.
