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Six Healthy Eating Tips for College Students on a Budget

Michael Wilson

College students deal with hectic schedules and need to eat healthy foods to fuel their bodies. However, proper meals tend to be seen as less of a priority as students look to create time for studying and working on assignments. Financial limitations also tend to stand in the way of students affording the kind of meals they desire.

According to recent research, 70% of college students gain weight during their undergraduate years, indicating a severe problem in our learning institutions. Instead of worrying about excessive weight gain and the freshman fifteen, start observing healthy dietary behavior.

Remember, healthy eating helps students cope with stress, improve their academic performance, and feel better. Here are some tips to get you going.

  • Make Good Breakfast a Priority

By now, you have likely heard that breakfast is the most significant meal of the day. According to research, this common saying is accurate, particularly for college students who have to deal with hectic schedules and heavy workloads.

Experts indicate that munching a healthful breakfast at the start of your day improves your concentration and leads to better educational performance. A nourishing breakfast also leads to increased vitality during the day and a higher consumption of minerals and vitamins. However, a good breakfast goes beyond scores and improved concentration.

According to experts, eating a nourishing breakfast leads to better meeting daily nutrient requirements. Eating breakfast allows you to consume more iron and vitamins. It also contains more daily fiber than other meals of the day. Therefore, consuming a healthy breakfast leads to a healthier BMI and better health outcomes.

  • Be Careful with Fast Foods

We suggest that college students should avoid fast foods in their entirety. Your health will be much better if you prepare your meals. However, if you choose to eat out, pick your food carefully. The ingredients of your meals matter.

For instance, if you have to order pizza, choose an option with half the cheese. The most important thing is to lower your reliance on fast foods with high-fat offerings such as fried chicken and French fries. If you need time to prepare your meals, consider hiring a professional essay writer to work on your assignments.

  • Carry Healthy Snacks During the Day

College life is often busy, and you are likely to feel hungry between meals. To avoid relying on the vending machine and fast foods, consider carrying healthy snacks to consume during the day.

Fresh fruits are always ideal snack options. This way, you will get the energy to keep you going without relying on unhealthy fast foods.

  • Limit Your Consumption of Sugar

Added sugar can be found on numerous food products, including sauces and peanut butter. Since most college students depend on the convenience of processed foods and snacks, their sugar intake is often higher than recommended. Evidence shows that these added sugars comprise more than 17% of students’ total calorie intake.

According to experts, you need to limit your consumption of added sugars to a maximum of 10% per day. Excessive consumption of sugar contributes to unhealthy weight gain and can increase your risk of cardiovascular complications. Use sugar sparingly and consider healthier ways of sweetening your tea or coffee.

  • Choose Foods Rich in Calcium

Calcium is critical for your body and helps with teeth and bones. The nutrient is also essential for keeping nerves and muscles working at their optimal state. Most importantly, adequate calcium is vital for cardiovascular function and helps with blood clots.

The bottom line is that students should be building upon their calcium stock. This is a helpful way to prevent osteoporosis as they get older. Drinking milk is one way to improve your calcium intake. Leafy vegetables offer an alternative for those who don’t fancy milk.

  • Find Sensible Ways of Losing Weight

Weight management is a severe struggle for most college students. However, denying yourself the nutrition your body needs is not ideal for losing weight. According to experts, diets that promise quick results or starvation are often harmful and can backfire spectacularly.

The only healthy way to lose weight is by eating balanced meals and exercising. Monitor your portions, and consume lots of fruits and vegetables.

Eating healthily is essential for your health and academic success. Prioritize breakfast and carry healthy snacks to consume during the day. Most importantly, drinks lots of water and avoid sugary and processed drinks. Remember, food provides more than the nourishment and energy you need for your bodily functions. Be creative and prepare enjoyable meals.