Tips for Eating Healthier As a College Student
2/18/22
Here are some of my tips on how to eat a healthier, more balanced diet as a college student! Reminder that this is only advice on things that have personally worked for me! Do what feels best to you and your needs!
Tip #1: Add Don’t Subtract
As a busy college student, it can be difficult to change up your weekly meal rotation and to step outside of your comfort zone when it comes to eating. One thing that has been helpful to me is to add something new, such as a seasonal vegetable that caught my eye at the grocery store or a fruit that I had never tried before to a meal that I’ve already come to know and love. Maybe you find it hard to stray away from your favorite sandwich at lunch time. Try finding a whole-grain bread or a colorful variation of your favorite veggie to add some extra nutrients to your typical sandwich on your next trip to the grocery store!
Tip #2: Eat Colorfully
If you take a glance at most of my meals posted on my food Instagram, you can see that I love to make sure that I incorporate a variety colors on my plate. Eating is not just a means for survival, it is also meant to be an enjoyable experience and can even be a way to express your creativity through food. Add a vibrant condiment or garnish (nutritional yeast is one of my personal favorites) to your meal! It’s always a plus when your meal tastes AND looks good!
Tip #3: Simple Is Fun
I don’t know who needs to hear this but your meals don’t have to be extravagant and made from scratch for them to be considered “good” or “healthy”. It’s totally okay to use frozen veggies, fruits, and grains! You’re still getting nutritional benefits from these more convenient options and it can also help reduce food waste if you’re typically cooking for one. I love to buy a few fresh veggies as well as a few frozen ones each week to help maintain a variety of options for my meals.
Tip #4: Plan Without Pressure
As someone who thrives off of routines and planning, I like to have an idea of what meals I might prepare each week when going to the grocery store. The notes and reminders apps on my phone are truly my best friends. However, I don’t think it’s necessary to prepare a strict schedule of recipes and meals for each meal every single day. I like to prepare a list of essential items that are versatile and can be used in a variety of different dishes. I find that putting pressure on myself to stick to a meal plan during a busy week of classes is counterproductive when I don’t always know how each day is going to go and what time I have to devote to the kitchen.
Tip #5: Listen to Your Body
As someone who has struggled with disordered eating, it can be hard to honor my hunger cues and find a balance between balanced eating and mindful movement. I think one of the most important things you can do to help yourself live a more healthy and fulfilling life while in college is to nourish your body in a way that makes you happy. Eating a balanced diet is much more sustainable than depriving yourself of the things you love. Honor your cravings! Don’t beat yourself up for being human.
Need inspiration?
Find my latest creations and recipes on my Instagram! Also, feel free to check out my “Friday Faves” highlight tab on my Instagram profile to find other food content creators that inspire me each week!
Contact
Join the community and collaborate with me!
