Story by Brittney Sly
Eating on-campus can be exciting, easy and a struggle at times. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Snack smart. Go for foods that provide you with sustaining nutrients not just energy. Protein and good carb combos are the best choice.
- Maybe make-over your mini fridge. Stock your fridge with a variety of healthy foods for quick breakfasts, study snacks and pre/post-workout boosts.
- Re-think your drink. Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated. Consider how often you drink sugary beverages such as sodas, cappuccinos, energy drinks, fruit juices, sweetened teas, and sports drinks – Other beverages just add unneeded Calories from sugar.
- Stick to the Half-Your Rule: Make half-your plates full of fruits and veggies. Switch half-your grains each day to wholegrains. This is where all those nutrients that you need to stay healthy reside.
- Eat mindfully. Savor your food. Eat slowly, enjoy the taste and textures, and pay attention to how you feel. Avoid stress eating and emotional food indulgences.
- Watch the caffeine. While you may love the caffeine in coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks for its ability to keep your eyes open in class and for those late-night study sessions, overdoing it can cause problems. Too much caffeine can cause nausea, insomnia, jitters, increased heart rate, anxiety, muscle twitching, dehydration and irritability.
- Assemble a plan to eat regularly. Students are busy no doubt, but don’t forget to eat! Make sure to work healthy meals and snacks into your daily schedule. No one can survive on brain power alone.
ish… Seek out your support resources if you’re struggling with eating healthy and maintain good health. CSU has a ton of resources available for students eating and living on-campus: www.eatwell.colostate.edu
For delicious recipes, nutrition tips, and to find cooking and nutrition classes, go to the Kendall Reagan Nutrition Center website. More great info also available at the College of Health and Human Sciences Pinterest board.
Brittney Sly, MPH, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and the Nutrition and Wellness Programs Manager for Housing & Dining Services.
