Healthy eating? On campus? Yes, it can be done! Eating at college can be tricky, especially with all the unhealthy dining choices served "all you can eat" style. If you are like me, you can relate to the the struggle of wanting to eat healthy without scarfing down salad like a rabbit. Here are some tips to keep your stomach filled without sacrificing taste.
1. Order drinks "skinny."
There are better ways to save calories on drinks without having to downsize. Whether it's your morning coffee, your afternoon smoothie or nighttime coffee treat, order it with skim milk and no whipped cream. Changing from whole milk to skim milk can save you a third of the normal calories, and let's be real, your double chocolate frappuccino doesn't need whipped topping and chocolate sauce.
2. Forget fried food.
If you value your calorie count or your body, avoid fried food as much as possible. Nearly every college is famous for dishing out every option possible at every location possible, not to mention the fast food options available. Yes, it's true that one serving of french fries on occasion won't kill you, but endless corndogs, french fries and fried chicken will.
3. Eat at dining halls.
This may seem like a minor detail, but eating at the dining hall is a great way to ensure you are eating a balanced meal. Dining halls offer all sorts of options from every food group. Fruits, veggies, meat, grains, you can find it all at the dining hall. Plus, chances are if you're eating outside the dining hall at the campus Moe's or Chick-fil-A, you aren't ordering healthy options or keeping an eye on the calorie count.
4. Avoid keeping large amounts of snacks.
If food is in sight, you will eat it. Your dorm room can't be that large to hide your whole stash. Not to mention most snacks that are suitable for keeping long term and in a dorm room are highly processed with high fat content. Stock up and stick to healthier snack options such as dried fruit, nuts and multi-grain snack crackers.
5. Establish a routine.
Our bodies digest food better if we eat at a similar time each and every day. Eat smaller meals more often if possible, and wake up around the same time each day. Try to remember to eat all meals, and avoid late night snacking.
