Essential Tips for Eating Healthy While in College
- Piece of Cake Staff
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Written by Cove Johnson Rabidoux
The food on college campuses is not exactly known for being healthy. Think more French fries, pizza, and heaps of pasta. Yet, this doesn't mean you are stuck eating just greasy, sugary food for the entire year. Rather, eating healthy in college is completely possible—it just takes a little awareness and balance. You don’t need to give up your favorite comfort foods (enjoy them!); instead, focus on mixing in fresh and nutritious options where you can. This may seem overwhelming, so I've compiled the five best (and easiest) tips for eating healthy as a college student.
1. Determine the Health-Food Dining Hall
If your school is anything like mine, there’s one dining hall that’s known for being a little more “health-conscious.” Whether that means it offers more veggies, a build-your-own grain bowl station, or just fewer fried options, this dining hall is a good one to have on your radar. While it might not have the same excitement as the all-you-can-eat pizza station, incorporating it into your schedule every once in a while can help you balance your meals (and your energy levels). So, sample around or look up menus online to find out which dining hall fits this description. Your body will thank you!
2. Avoid the Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks seem to be ubiquitous on college campuses. From soda machines to caramel whipped cream lattes, drinks with high sugar contents seem to be everywhere on campuses. As a result, it can be hard to find something else to drink; however, I encourage you to do so. Sugary drinks contribute to everything from tooth decay to energy crashes to diabetes. So, the next time you’re tempted, try grabbing still or carbonated water or even unsweetened iced tea instead. You'll still get the refreshment without the sugar.
3. Eat Fruits
Who doesn’t love fruits? They’re sweet, refreshing, and one of the easiest healthy foods to work into your day. Most dining halls have at least a small fruit section—so grab an apple, banana, or orange on your way out. They’re great to toss in your backpack for a quick snack between classes, and they help curb the urge to reach for processed food later. Fruits also provide natural sugars and vitamins that will fuel your body without leaving you overly full.
4. Take Advantage of the Salad Bar
Maybe it’s the vegetarian in me, but I love a good salad bar. Not only does it give you tons of options, but it also lets you be in control of what ends up on your plate. Plus, it is such a quick and simple way to add some vegetables and fresh produce into your daily diet. You can add fresh carrots or peppers, proteins like chickpeas or tofu, and even fun toppings like apples or cheese. The key is making it a healthy dish you actually want to enjoy!
5. Keep Healthy Snacks in Your Room
Last, but not least, it's a good idea to keep healthy snacks in your room. While you may think “snacks” and “healthy” might not go together, they actually can. From trail mix to bananas to granola bars to apple chips, there are tons of healthy snack options. I know dorm room space can be limited, but it's still a good idea to load up on a few healthy snacks. Having something quick and nourishing to munch on can be super helpful. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure you don't skip meals when you’re running between classes.
Eating "healthy" is about balance more than anything else. It's not about cutting out all sodas or that delicious dining hall soft serve from your diet. Rather, it is about consuming comparable amounts of fresh ingredients to sweets. So, enjoy that latte or cup of ice cream with your friends—but also make sure you save room for a salad or healthy grains.
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What tips do you have?