The Realities of Being Healthy As A College Student
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Realities of Being Healthy As A College Student

It can be tough sometimes.

87
The Realities of Being Healthy As A College Student
entrepreneur.com

When I entered college I was determined to start over. I wanted to be healthy and with that came many plans. I had planned on only eating the healthiest of foods for meals, mainly salads, fruits and vegetables. I told myself I wouldn't eat any sweets, would always have only healthy snacks, no pizza and that I would exercise every day, no matter what.

That was a good joke.

Almost immediately when I started college, I realized that many of my goals and plans to be healthy were completely unrealistic. The cafeteria doesn't always have the healthiest food choices, you get tired of salad really quick (especially when there are burgers nearby), there are never enough hours in the day to get in the exact workout you want, and sometimes pizza and sweets are too tempting to resist. That being said, I would still consider myself a healthy college student, because eventually you find a balance and you learn what is more important to you, a brownie or a peanut butter cookie. Most people say moderation is key and I agree with that, but I think making many healthy choices is even more important. Here are some realistic tips to being a healthy college student.

1. The cafeteria often has lots of empty carbs and eating a few isn't too bad, but consistently eating lots of useless carbs like white bagels, muffins and plain noodles can be an easy bad habit to fall into. Often there are also whole wheat or natural options which is a more nutritious substitute to empty carbs.

2. Do not keep candy or junk food within easy reach. One problem I ran into was people would give me chocolate, chips, and all kinds of yummy unhealthy foods and I would put them in a bowl by my desk. The candy and I would have a staring contest and it would win, every single time. What I started doing was putting my candy into harder-to-reach, out-of-sight places so I wouldn't constantly be thinking about it. This way if I did eat candy, it was a real choice.

3. Don't get into the habit of ALWAYS getting a certain item at meals. This is mainly for pop (even diet pop is bad) and desserts. It is okay to have them, but not at every meal. Do not allow yourself to get into the habit of always getting Dr. Pepper and ice cream continuously. Instead, have them as a treat and not a routine.

4. Exercise. This is still important! Often my friends and I will go for walks or hikes that will give us some easy exercise while getting to talk and have fun. You can also do fun activities like playing basketball, volleyball, ultimate frisbee and swimming. If you want to workout, plan when you are going to go so you don't keep putting it off. Make it a routine you can follow everyday.

5. Get healthy foods you like! Stop trying to convince yourself to eat brussel sprouts. Instead, get foods you like that are also good for you. Some of my favorite snacks are bananas and peanut butter, air-popped popcorn, clementines, applesauce, broccoli and hummus, raisins, nuts, cheese, yogurt, granola bars, and fruit snacks. These aren't always crazy nutritious, but they are a whole heck of a lot better than chips, oreos, cookie dough (my personal weakness), ramen and easy-mac.

6. Drink water! Keep a water bottle with you at all times. You will end up sipping water naturally throughout the day. This will keep you slightly fuller, while being good for your skin.

7. Sometimes you need to cheat, whether that be eating unhealthy or skipping your workout for the day to go shopping instead. Don't beat yourself up about it. Remember that it is worth it to skip a workout if you are making new friends, reconnecting with old ones or doing something out-of-the-ordinary. The important thing is to have that cheat be only a day or a meal and not allow it to become a habit.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57775
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37232
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958934
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191946
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments