How to Stay Healthy In College

So, undoubtedly you have (or will) realize how college life can have a significant impact on your body's health--but what can you do about it?  Is there anything that can be done while studying non-stop, going out at night, and never getting any sleep? Yes, there is--but it may take a little bit of sacrifice.  

 An article by Allison Van Dusen explains that the problem college students face may be even worse than we thought.  Between the lack of sleep, all-you-can-eat dining halls, and excessive drinking, students today are developing poor sleeping and eating habits earlier, and gaining weight as a result.

Beyond all the pessimism, the article does suggest what can be done to prevent such things from happening.  Yes, they seem to be pretty obvious—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to them. 

Here’s what the Forbes slideshow of “Dorm Room Health Tips” says:

Breakfast:  Eat protein!  Not only will it keep you alert, but it’ll prevent you from getting hungry before lunch. 

Exercise:  Take advantage of the school’s fitness facilities, or if you’re not a gym person—go for a walk/run around campus or in the nature preserve.  You don’t have to do it every day, but exercising a few days a week would be great for your health. 

Be prepared during the day:  Bring a bottle of water around with you!  Don’t be going to soda machines every time you’re thirsty, water is significantly cheaper and more healthy.  If you get hungry during the day, bring along some low-calorie snacks.

Healthy Appetizers:  Have a salad or healthy soup before lunch and dinner.  It’ll ensure you get some greenery in with your meal while at the same time filling you up and preventing you from eating that extra piece of pizza or hamburger. 

Don’t eat if you’re not hungry:  When students are bored, they often eat.  Stop this. 

3 Meals/Day:  Don’t be skipping meals (DON’T SKIP BREAKFAST).  Even if you don’t have time to make it to the dining hall for breakfast, stock up your fridge with milk and healthy cereal, microwavable oatmeal, or at least some healthy granola bars.  Skipping a meal makes you significantly more likely to snack. 

Drink in Moderation (If at All):  Not surprisingly, alcohol is not good for you.  In one night’s drinking you could consume a whole day’s worth of calories. 

Read Nutrition Information:  If you take the time to read those nutrition labels (or signs in the dining hall), you will be more aware of what is healthy and what is not.  Stay away from high fat or high calorie foods. 

Try Out Different Dining Halls:  Try out your different dining halls, it’ll prevent you from eating the same thing every meal as well as help you to find the most healthy options. 

Eliminate One at a Time:  As you find yourself eating unhealthy foods, try eliminating them one at a time.  You can’t just snap your fingers and be healthy, it’s a slow process—so be smart about it. 

So, that’s it.  Those don’t sound so bad do they?  Give them a try—or at least a few of them. 

For more information and to view the entire article, click here.   

Comments (0)Add Comment
feedSubscribe to this comment's feed

Write comment

busy
Sponsor
Banner