It’s five minutes until your next class. You have just come out of a three-hour-block and now have to run across campus to present a project. By the way, your stomach is growling.
As a busy college student, you’ve probably faced the problem of too much to do and not enough time to do it. When you finally get a chance to eat, you may end up overeating on foods that are quick and cheap but not healthy. Here are some quick tips on how to eat healthy in college from UF’s GatorWell and Janis Mena, registered dietitian and nutritionist from UF’s Student Health Care Center.
1. Don’t skip the most important meal of the day
According to GatorWell’s Web site, even if you get out of bed at the last second before class, eat a piece of fruit or something quick like yogurt on the way to class.
Studies consistently show that people who eat breakfast have a significantly higher metabolism than those who do not.
2. Stock up and plan ahead
When you go grocery shopping, stock up and buy things that you can freeze and take out as a snack. Mena suggests planning your meals in advance. Along with string cheese and crackers made without hydrogenated fats, sandwiches will be a great mid-day snack that you won’t have to worry about when you have multiple classes in a row, she said.
3. Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re satisfied, not full
According to caloriecount.about.com, it takes the brain anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes to realize that the stomach is satisfied when eating. The slower you eat, the fewer calories and food you will take in, thus you will feel fuller without eating three meals worth of food.
For healthy eating, portion control is a top priority and when you feel satisfied, stop eating and push the plate away from yourself, Mena said.
4. Take advantage of the dining centers and convenience stores on campus
The many on-campus grocery stores like Provisions on Demand in the Reitz Union, Beaty Market, Graham Oasis and Little Hall Express have grab-and-go items that are healthy and delicious such as sushi, hummus and soy milk.
Also, the different student dining centers have full salad bars and fresh fruit and are always all-you-can-eat. Although you have to set up an account with Gator Dining, you will save more money in the long run having a meal plan and using the dining halls instead of eating at the different on-campus restaurants every day, said GatorWell intern Beth Kravitz.
5. Try healthier versions of your favorite comfort foods and beverages
Considering a cheeseburger and fries to eat while you study? Try leaner and healthier forms of protein like grilled chicken and have some veggies on the side or beans and rice instead of fries, Kravitz said.
Also, avoid sugary beverages like regular sodas and fruit-flavored drinks and instead drink more water, skim or soy milk and unsweetened or lightly sweetened tea.
For more information, check out Gator Dining’s Web site at gatordining.com.
