How to Eat Healthy on Campus: Avoid the Freshman 15

College is the start of a new chapter; a time to make new friends, experience a new city and become your own person.  Unfortunately, that new found independence can come at a price.  Between classes, cramming for exams and socializing, college students are pressed for time, under a lot of stress and frequently eating on the go. 

Whether you’re living off campus, bunking in a dorm, or crashing on your friend’s couch, follow these tips to learn how to eat healthy in college and fight the Freshman 15:

• Stock up on healthy snacks.  Fight the late-night vending machine temptation by stocking up on raw vegetables, fresh fruit, cottage cheese or low-fat yogurt.  If a refrigerator isn’t an option, choose snacks that contain protein and whole grains for fuel such as all natural peanut butter and whole grain crackers. And don’t forget to stock up on what’s available at the cafeteria that’s healthy for a snack later in the day.
• Eat a balanced breakfast.  Studies have shown that eating breakfast not only improves academic performance, but is important in maintaining body weight.  Make it a priority to get up 15 minutes earlier to have time to prepare a healthy breakfast.  Options to consider are yogurt with fruit, whole grain cereal and a banana, oatmeal with nuts and berries, or whole grain toast with some peanut butter.  For those busy mornings when a sit down breakfast isn’t possible, grab fruit like a banana or a granola bar for a healthy breakfast on the go.     
•  Do your research.  Before heading to the dining hall, look up the menu online. Choosing a healthy option beforehand will help resist the temptation of less nutritious items.  If viewing the menu ahead of time isn’t an option, be sure to take a lap around the dining hall to assess your options before piling a bunch of food on your plate. 
• Make like-minded friends.  Eating right and working out is much more fun and achievable when your friends are on board as well.  Find a fitness partner to keep you on track and motivated to be healthy!                     

These are just a few of our tips for eating healthy on campus.  Chime in below with any additional tips you have for how to eat healthy on campus!