The life of a student involves pressures from time and other factors. It is easy for students to forget to pay attention to something as basic as diet. It’s because they will often be working against time to meet deadlines, and are often in a rush.
So, in turn, students will often have little time for meals. Furthermore, some will even get used to fast food. They will also partake in harmful habits such as skipping some meals because cooking demands some extra time and effort.
Healthy diets have amazing benefits for students, such as:
- One becomes well-nourished
You will get all the required nutrients for your body, and hence you will grow healthy.
- Alertness
Better eating habits have been linked to the ability to be more active and alert during the day.
- Better processing of information and improved memory
These have been linked to eating healthy foods. The ability of individuals to grasp academic content faster and retain it should work wonders in college.
Students in college will often take matters associated with diet lightly and later try to balance out the poor habits by going to the gym. However, what you might not realize is that you are likely to perform better at the gym when you eat a healthy diet since you will have more energy and your body will be better nourished.
So, as a collegian, one has to develop a healthy diet that works for them. We say this because there are various factors involved in eating healthily, including the cost and availability of whole and healthy foods. Therefore, embracing healthy habits is an individual decision depending on one’s resources and what works for them. It doesn’t mean that you have to change all your eating habits at once; you can choose to ease into it as long as it is your decision.
The decision to eat healthily has to be your own. A lot of individuals get roped into other peoples’ diets just because they are associated with them, which might backfire. Because, if it’s not your decision, you might wake up one day and decide it’s not what you want.
When it’s your choice, you will hold yourself accountable and even feel a little guilty when thinking about cheating on a diet. So, the first question you need to answer is; why do I want a healthy diet? Once you decide on eating healthy, you can work some of our amazing tips into your diet for a good result.
Respect Breakfast as a Meal
Breakfast is widely recognized as the most important meal of the day. It is because it is the replenishment of the fasting period of the previous night, while you were sleeping. So, it serves to replenish the glucose supply, therefore, giving you extra energy and keeping you alert.
Sometimes it might not always be possible for a student to have a full meal for breakfast. So, you are advised to grab at least a bagel, some juice, and fruit, and you will be set. Eating before going to class is always recommended, as you will concentrate better.
Keep Some Healthy Snacks in Your Possession
Instead of going cold turkey when dieting, have some healthy snacks around. Sometimes hunger takes over during the night. Having healthy snacks to fall back to is better than raiding the vending machine at night in search of junk food. Some of the healthy snacks you can keep include rice cakes and dried fruit. You can keep actual fruits, raw veggies, and even low fat yogurt if you own a refrigerator.
Responsible Weight Loss Strategies
You always start with a plan when you decide, ‘I want to do my essay.’ Similarly, it would be best if you had a plan for weight loss. A lot of students go on harsh diets to lose weight. Others go to extremes that even include starving oneself as a way of speeding up the process.
These methods of quick weight loss go wrong most of the time. Individuals quit after some time, while others even develop health complications. There has only ever been one safe and responsible way to lose weight; exercising and eating a balanced diet.
Drink Lots of Water
Water is essential. Your body is made up of around 60% water, and it needs to be replenished daily. In fact, as an adult, you need to drink at least two liters of water daily. Frequently drinking water keeps you healthy and prevents dehydration.
Control Your Sugar Intake
Sugar is responsible for calories in the human body. It provides extra energy. However, it is not the energy source you want. Sugar provides specific energy, but it doesn’t last too long, and one might even start feeling drowsy after some time. But, the body needs sugar nonetheless but from healthy sources. Instead of sodas and candy, switch to almonds, dried and fresh fruit.
Portion Control
In case you have the intention of losing some weight, start by dividing your portions in half. So, if you are used to taking four slices of bread, start taking two. It might seem tough at the beginning, but after some time, your body will adjust. Always remember to start small if you want real progress.
Add Calcium and Fiber to Your Diet
Calcium is vital for children and youth. The body needs to start creating calcium storages early on so that as one gets older, they don’t suffer the risks of osteoporosis. Calcium is prominent in milk. However, if you don’t take dairy, you can have green and leafy vegetables instead.
Fiber assists the body in processes such as digestion while also helping with controlling cholesterol and glucose levels. Fiber can be obtained by eating fruits, wheat, and oatmeal.
Limit Your Alcohol Intake
Alcohol does not have any nutritional value to the body. Aside from the apparent effects drinking has, it adds to your calorie intake. For example, one beer can have around 154 calories. The same goes for that occasional glass of wine. Limit your alcohol consumption if you aim to eat healthily.
Final Remarks
Choosing a diet that works for you is very important. This doesn’t mean that you become complacent. Challenge yourself but at a pace that you can cope with. There is no need for a strict diet if you always backslide. So, learn the sources of the different types of food groups and combine that knowledge with these tips.