Nutrition Tips for Students
The life of a student is busy, busy, busy. Between classes, assignments, studying, extracurricular activities, AND a social life, it can be hard to make sure you are getting proper, balanced meals every day. Eating healthily is important because it has many benefits, including more physical and mental energy and overall better health. And best of all, it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated!
Eat breakfast
Breakfast provides you with fuel to get through the day, so be sure you don’t miss it! It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated to make; whole wheat toast with a nut butter, yoghurt with berries and granola, or cereal with fruit will do just fine.
Keep healthy snacks on hand
If you keep healthy snacks on hand in your dorm or backpack, you will be better prepared to avoid temptation. Stock up on healthy snack options so that they can be the first thing you reach for. Throw some high fibre cereal bars, trail mix, or fruit in your backpack so that you can reach for them when you need a snack. Make it inconvenient to be unhealthy!
Stick to a routine
Make sure that you are eating regularly. Even if you do not have a steady schedule, be sure to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you think that there will be 4 or more hours between your meals, bring a snack. This will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable so that you maintain energy and do not become famished.
Drink lots of water
The average adult needs 6-8 glasses of water per day. Drinking water can help to improve concentration and can help to keep you from overeating. Keep water with you all day, even when you are in class! Also, try to limit sugary and caffeinated beverages as they can cause weight gain and other health problems when consumed in excess.
Beware of late night snacking
Late night snacks are fine but try not to indulge in salty, sugary, or high fat sweets. Choose something that will provide you with lasting energy such as an apple or veggies and hummus.
More questions? Visit EatRight Ontario.
