Celica Cook
Student Writer
This month is National Nutrition Month which means that it’s a great time to start learning about and developing the healthy habits that bring such positive change to the way we think about the food we eat and the way we care for ourselves. Clubs on campus such as the SNAC club have some great advice to offer when it comes to learning about how to take care of our bodies while living on campus. Here are some helpful tips from the SNAC club about how to take care of your body while living on campus.
Drink Water
This is probably the most essential tip for how to maintain a healthy balanced lifestyle. Water is what our bodies run on, in fact, we can’t go more than a few days without it! Keeping a water bottle by your bed so you can get hydrated first thing in the morning is a good way to start the day. Often times, students head to the soda fountain when they are feeling thirsty. Water is a better alternative to the sugary beverages that actually dehydrate you more than hydrate you.
Incorporate More Fruits and Vegetables
Most people do not consume enough fruits and vegetables into their everyday eating habits. Fruits and vegetables contain many of the vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining healthy bodily functions. If you are eating on campus, try and eat a salad or stir fry with vegetables for one of your meals each day. Take advantage of the fruit and salad bar at Lottie. Fruit is sweet and can be a good dessert. Eating a small salad with your meal may also be a good way to get those dark, leafy greens in for the day. Salads are extremely versatile as well, so feel free to get creative and customize your salad the way you like it.
Try New Foods
Even though college food is not your grandmother’s home cooking, it is a great way to try something you have never tried before! You may have never been a brussel sprouts person, but maybe you would enjoy it better when it is cooked in a different way. Eating on campus doesn’t have to be boring. Branch out and try a food you have never tried before, and who knows, you might end up liking something you never liked before.
Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand
Most people are a big fan of dense, sugary snacks. Try and keep some other, more nutritious snacks in your room and apartment. That way, you will be less likely to run to the nearest vending machine for a candy bar. Try eating some fruit, or whole grain crackers with hummus. Nuts and seeds also make great snacks, especially on the way to class.
Utilize Resources That Help You Reach Your Goals
Check out choosemyplate.gov if you feel like you need some help in reaching your health goals! This easy to use resource offers helpful advice about how to eat a healthy balanced diet according to your gender, age and lifestyle. This is also a great resource if you are trying to learn how to eat healthy on a budget, as it has great tips on how to reach your health goals without breaking your wallet.