by Brooke Nowak
We’ve all heard it before: the dreaded “freshman 15” but the reality is not all college students gain weight during their first year at school. In fact, The Journal of American College of Health reports only 50% of students gain weight. There are quite a few factors that could play in to the unwanted weight gain: stress, not enough exercise, limited fresh produce, fast food and new eating habits, so put down the Costco-sized box of Ramen and read through some quick healthy snack recipes and some tips for a healthier diet at college.
First, let’s head to the grocery store and bring this list to stock your mini fridge:
Eggs
Yogurt
Oatmeal
Rice cakes
Trail mix
Fruits and Vegetables
- apples, bananas, grapes and oranges
- carrot sticks, celery sticks and cucumber slices
Dips
- peanut butter or almond butter
- hummus
- guacamole
Cheese
- low fat cheese sticks, shredded or cubes
Need a quick breakfast? No problem. You can make eggs in a mug. Just crack an egg into a microwave-safe mug, pour in a little milk and mix. Put the mug in the microwave for about 90 seconds and your breakfast is ready. Don’t want eggs? Mix it up and make oatmeal in a mug!
Have a full day of classes? Grab these snack and go:
Apple slices and peanut butter
Toast with peanut butter and sliced banana
Celery sticks with almond butter
Now that your fridge is stocked, and you have a couple snack ideas, follow some of these tips to stay healthy!
- Eat breakfast! Give yourself enough time before rushing to your first class to eat a healthy breakfast. Eggs in a mug, anyone?
- Snack, snack, snack. Be prepared for your busy day and bring with some of the recipes provided in this blog. Small healthy snacks throughout the day can help you feel full and not grab for fast food on the go!
- Stay active. Whether it’s going to the gym or walking to class, just keep moving!
- Sleep! Managing your time and responsibilities during the day can allow you to get a full night sleep! But when you have to pull an all nighter, instead of ordering pizza or fast food, reach for some of your healthier snacks to curb your appetite!
It’s important when you’re trying to eat healthy at college, to understand what you’re eating. These healthy snacks are as simple as it gets to keep your energy (and your grades) up!