Coming back to college is an exciting time filled with new classes, housing, and experiences. The one thing I seemed to have forgotten when I woke up for my first day of class was that I hadn’t gone grocery shopping. The only items that seemed to be present in our fridge was pizza and wine. Of course, great combination for the first night there to break in the house; however, not ideal for the rest of the week.

When it comes to eating healthy in college, I understand the difficulties. There’s a fast food location in every other building down the street and the late night cravings run in full effect when you’re up past midnight working on homework. I didn’t gain the freshman 15 and I intend to not get the sophomore 20.

Here’s just a few of the struggles that pertain to the difficulty of eating healthy in college and some tips to overcome them.

1. Midnight Snacking

2. Chips Are Cheap

3. Stress Eating

4. Nights Out

5. Boredom Overload

Tips to overcome these issues and urges that come around in college:

1. Pack Snacks

If you're heading out to the library for a long night of homework and studying, the smartest idea would be to pack snacks from home. This way, when your stomach starts growling like an animal you don't have to waste precious studying time to buy food. This helps with saving extra money as well as time.

2. Find The Deals

Knowing deals around town is the key to spending less money. Pocket Points is a great way to get a few dollars off a meal. The only thing you have to do is attend class!

If you're looking for cheap deals around town, Walmart offers a pack of 24 granola bars for the price of $4.21 and Trader Joe's offers roasted peanuts for just $0.99. The trick is to buy in bulk. You're in college; you know snacking is bound to occur.

3. Choose Fruit

For those ice cream and chocolate cravings, try substituting fruit or yogurt. Yogurt Mountain has great deals and healthy options if you look for them. Instead of choosing the hot fudge and whipped cream, go for the granola toppings with an assembly of fruit. The trick here is that the less you put in your cup, the less money you'll be spending. This gives you just enough to satisfy that sweet tooth of yours.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Not only will sleeping 8 or 9 hours a night help with being well rested, you'll also notice the late night cravings are less often and your body has more energy stored to burn calories or fat throughout the day. Without enough sleep, your brain functions becomes altered, lowering your inhibition and making you more susceptible to eating more food.

5. Stay Active

Rather than letting the boredom win and binge watching Netflix while eating junk food, simply walk outside. There is always something going on around campus to become involved in and the pool is always a great way to get in exercise while not being around junk food.

6. Cook For Yourself

Cooking your own meals will reduce your fat/caloric intake majorly. By cooking it for yourself, you see everything that is being put into the food and it's an easier way to alter the ingredients that are used for healthier options.

7. Stock Up On Protein

Protein is important in order for our bodies to build and repair cells. Protein, instead of more carbs, allows the body to have a feeling of satiety, feeling full longer, and takes more energy for the body to digest. Great sources can include beans and almonds for snacks or fish and chicken for lunch/dinner. (Don't overdue the protein though. 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight will suffice.)

8. Water Is Your Soulmate

Water is essential to survive we all understand that; however, drinking more water throughout the day will improve your complexion, eliminate bacteria within the body, and feed your body as it circulates the nutrients throughout the body. Instead of buying that soda in the checkout aisle, grab a 28 pack of water (prices ranging from $3.00-$4.50 at Walmart).

9. Limit Eating Out

Again, eating out at restaurants or fast food locations is trickier to find healthy options and save money. People will believe they're spending less money eating at fast food locations instead of buying groceries; however, buying more groceries will provide food for numerous days, not just a quick snack to keep your stomach from growling. Eating out can rid your body of the correct nutrients it requires a day and possibly add on more fat as you're not entirely sure what is put into the food.

10. Portion Control

By portioning out your food intake, you allow your body to reach satiety without overeating and causing that bloated feeling. Great ways to achieve the correct portions for your body is through meal prepping, which also sets up food options for the week.

It's not a diet. It's a healthy lifestyle.

Sources:

Gunnars, Kris. "Protein Intake – How Much Protein Should You Eat Per Day?" Authority Nutrition, An Evidence-based Approach. N.p., 2016. Web. 01 Sept. 2016.

https://authoritynutrition.com/how-much-protein-pe...

"Zephyrhills 100% Natural Spring Water, 16.9 Fl Oz, 28 Pack - Walmart.com." Walmart.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2016.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Zephyrhills-100-Natural...

"10 Life-Changing Reasons to Drink More Water." Breaking Muscle. Breaking Muscle HQ, n.d. Web. 02 Sept. 2016.

http://breakingmuscle.com/health-medicine/10-life-...