Eating Healthy For Students

Well, it's fall, and in most areas of the country, classes are back in full swing. College students can find it tricky to eat well, with so much food available (and no parents around to limit the junk food consumption!). Now is the time to learn self-control and establish healthy eating habits for your adult years.

Image via WikipediaFor many students, eating at college is a whole new ball game, with late night pizza delivery and junk food readily available just about everywhere (and most dorms don't have easy access to a kitchen, even if you wanted to cook for yourself).  Even though some of these quick and simple options taste great, many are probably not healthy for your body. 

The food choices students make can affect whether or not they are able to remain awake during class
and whether or not they will come down with mononucleosis (or the flu) when it hits campus.  But the problem is not just with eating junk food, it's more about not getting the proper proteins, carbs, vitamins, and minerals that people need to be healthy.

When it comes to defending against illnesses, vitamins and minerals are very important.  And though it may be easy to take vitamins and supplements, it's really best to get most of your nutrition from food.

Image by Calvert Cafe & Catering via FlickrYou can find vitamin C in citric fruits, Vitamin A in milk and dairy products, and vitamin E in nuts, whole wheat products, and even green leafy vegetables.  This is the ideal way to get nutrition, as your body relies on these vitamins for many reasons.

When you eat on campus, skip on the sodas and go right to the juice machines - or just drink water.  Explore the different entrees available and go to the salad bar where there are fresh vegetables.  You can also try putting some broccoli and cauliflower in the microwave for steamed vegetables.  There is usually plenty of fresh fruit available in dining halls as well.

Always remember that eating healthy isn't just about avoiding greasy foods.  Eating healthy involves eating a balanced diet and getting the right nutrients and vitamins to keep your body in peak performance - or at least awake during your classes.