Hey, y'all! My name is Isabella, and I’m a college student learning how to navigate adulthood right alongside you!! Today, I will give you tips on eating healthy in your college dining hall!
I know your first year of college comes with so many ups and downs, and implementing a new workout routine, diet, and general way of life can be overwhelming for new college students! Here are my tips on eating well and finding healthy options in a dining hall through your college meal plan! Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and have no medical background. This is what I have found works for me and my body.
- Drink water & bring your water bottle to the dining hall.
- From personal experience living in a dorm room last year, access to ice was slim. So whenever my friends and I would go to the dining hall, we would all bring our water bottles to grab ice and water! This may seem like an insignificant tip, but drinking plenty of water daily will allow you to maintain a busy lifestyle, which I’m sure your first year will entail.
- Take a lap first to see what your dining hall offers before deciding.
- This will help you pay more attention to your portions and only eat what you genuinely want. It will also prevent you from being wasteful by getting the food you realize you don't want to eat after looking around. Make a mental note about what items to eat to intake the necessary nutrients!
- Take advantage of the fresh fruit.
- Some kind of fruit will generally be available that is easy to grab and go. I would grab either oranges, apples, or bananas because they were easy snacks that I enjoyed, and it saved me a few bucks every time I did this! Additionally, if you get a to-go box at your dining hall, you can grab some fruit to keep in your fridge for later. Most dining halls will have chopped fruit laid out buffet style.
- Be mindful of portions.
- It can be very easy to overeat in a dining hall because there are many options, and sometimes everything looks good. Remember, you don’t have to eat it just because it’s there! Ensure you get food from all the necessary categories to maintain a balanced diet, but even overeating healthy foods is not suitable for you.
- Make a colorful and balanced plate.
- Ideally, you want to have protein, vegetables, grains/carbohydrates, and fruits. Prioritize protein and vegetables. Your veggies should be colorful, like reds, greens, purples, etc. The bright colors mean they contain more vitamins and antioxidants.
- Prioritize protein: eat lean proteins like chicken or turkey.
- Protein is an essential part of your diet, especially when combined with an active lifestyle/workout routine. Grilled or smoked chicken, turkey, and salmon are great lean protein options. You can also get protein from eggs, nuts, chickpeas/beans, grains, and dairy like cottage cheese.
- Look over the dining hall menu.
- Most dining halls have a menu displayed in the hall or online. This will help you better understand what food you want and need to fuel you. It will also help you quickly plan out your meal in your head to make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need!
- Avoid processed foods and foods with lots of added sugars.
- This is self-explanatory, but it is worth emphasizing. More food has additives than you probably realize, so take a second to think about what you're eating. It is essential to fuel your body with the food you are putting into it, so take a few extra seconds and read about the dietary facts displayed by the food you are considering.
- Don't even buy unhealthy snacks; only keep healthy ones on hand.
- I eventually learned I had to do this! Especially living in a tiny dorm room, no matter where I was, the snacks were only a few steps away. This will prevent you from over snacking or overeating since they won't be readily available. Additionally, it may lead you to grab a meal at the dining hall instead of just having snacks for dinner.
- Remember that food isn’t the only thing to consider. Sleep quality, mental health, physical fitness, and liquid calories all play a role in maintaining your health.
- Prioritize getting plenty of sleep! Taking care of yourself also 100% includes maintaining your mental health. Don’t compromise your health for anything. Prioritize staying active and start implementing workouts in your schedule and daily routine as soon as possible. Liquid calories also count…so make sure you are mindful of those and know they have more effects on you than you realize. Research and pay attention to how you feel after eating certain foods. Every person's body reacts differently, and you know you best!
With Love,
Isabella XO
