Disclaimer: If you have ever struggled with disordered eating, skip this article if it does not support your journey. You are loved and strong <3
Many of you have experienced feeling better when you eat better. A balanced diet can give us more energy to study, workout, and spend time with friends. That being said, most people living in dorms will not have access to a kitchen or the time to make healthy meals three times a day. College dorms often have many good options for staying healthy. Here are some things that I did my freshman year.
One Veggie per Meal:
Most colleges have a salad bar or some sort of fresh produce option. I am not suggesting you eat a salad every meal, but try to add a few carrots or cucumber slices to your meal.
2. Skip the Soda:
The soda fountain will be super tempting, especially if your parents didn't buy soda when you were younger, but the sugar spike with probably cause exhaustion later. If you're having a sweet craving, try tea with honey or chocolate soy milk for the protein. Of course, water is good too!
3. Eat Snacks Between
If you go into the cafeteria starving, you may eat more than your body needs and feel bloated and lethargic. Of course, if you are hungry, you need to eat and take care of yourself, but snacks between meals can help prevent blood sugar crashes and binges. I always stocked up at costco before the semester started. My go to snacks were dried cranberries, almonds, trail mix, granola bars, and gluten free crackers.
4. Aim for the Three Macronutrients
A good balanced meal has protein, fat, and carbs. if you are only eating chicken and salad, you will miss out on the energy from carbohydrates. If the cafeteria is serving mac and cheese, add some chicken from the salad bar for protein, you already have fat and carbs in the mac and cheese. If you want a simple meal, I love chicken (protein and fat) with rice (carbs) and salad (carbs and fiber) with olive oil (fat). This looks different for everyone, but can help you feel more full.
5. Eat the Foods You Love
At the end of the day, if you want that slice of cake, you should have it. While eating healthy is important, eating the foods you want can bring you joy and take away stress. Listen to your body, and if you are hungry for cake, than have some!
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