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Health and Wellness

Eat This, Not That—A College Student's Guide To A Healthier Pantry

All foods are not created equal, but you already knew that.

Rebecca Calloway

Sep 17, 2018

Washington State University

201

Eat This, Not That—A College Student's Guide To A Healthier Pantry

@freckledfoodie

I don't know when I became so interested in food nutrition, but it has become one of my favorite things to learn about. True nutrition doesn't come from how many calories are in a food or drink. True nutrition is in the actual ingredients. By that, I mean a serving size of a healthy food or drink could technically have more calories than a serving size of an unhealthy food. You're probably thinking, "Well duh, Rebecca."

Yet, when it comes to making decisions at the grocery store, you may still be picking the unhealthy option. Foods I have noticed that are "supposed" to be healthy and are too easily grabbed include peanut or almond butter, energy or protein bars, yogurt, holiday drinks from Starbs and trail mixes.

Now you're thinking I'm the wacko that crowds the aisles at the grocery store because I'm standing there looking at the nutrition label. And, you're right.

Here are some alternatives to make your pantry a little healthier:

1. Kirkland Almond Butter

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I would confidently say that majority of peanut or almond butters have added ingredients besides the actual roasted nut. For example, Jif Creamy Peanut Butter contains molasses, fully hydrogenated vegetable oils, mono and diglycerides and salt. On the other hand, Kirkland Almond Butter contains only roasted almonds.

2. LaraBars

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Beware when you see a protein bar advertising its fantastic amount of protein. Don't fall for it like I did for many years. I feel like the best example here is the infamous ClifBar. Don't get me wrong, a ClifBar is not the worst choice when it comes to reaching for an energy bar, especially when you're on a 15-mile hike. What I am saying is there may be a better option when it comes to choosing a bar with less added sugar. Cue, the LaraBar. These bars have sometimes as little as three to six healthy ingredients, and the best thing is...they're not disgusting!

3. FAGE yogurt

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Just skip the Yoplait. Sure, they have all the fun flavors, but that's because they use cornstarch and sugar to get there. Next time, look for Fage. Although yogurt is tricky and usually contains added sugars, you can find healthier options. The key to reading nutrition labels? Look at the ingredients listed, and whatever the first few ingredients are - that's what consumes most of it. Mind blown.

4. Make your own PSL.

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You guys had to know this was coming. Pumpkin spice lattes are to die for; I love them just as much as the next person. BUT, a grande PSL made with whole milk and whipped cream contains 420 calories, 18 grams of fat and 52 grams of carbs.

Now you're really thinking, "Oh great, she's one of those people." I promise I'm not crazy, I enjoy a PSL from time to time, but when I started wanting one every day, I learned how to make my own. I found this great recipe which makes for an alternative when wanting to cut calories and save money!

Also, it's still 80 degrees in Pullman. It just doesn't feel right.

5. Applesauce pouches.

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You guys, this is the best creation ever. Everyone needs a quick something they can grab while running out the door, and applesauce pouches are IT. They don't taste like baby food, you just have to get past the part where it looks like baby food. These are a good alternative to trail mix, which usually contains some kind of chocolate or the nuts being doused in salt.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

Eat This, Not That—A College Student's Guide To A Healthier Pantry

All foods are not created equal, but you already knew that.

1. Kirkland Almond Butter

2. LaraBars

3. FAGE yogurt

4. Make your own PSL.

5. Applesauce pouches.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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