Many things can cause an unhealthy lifestyle while in college. Late night cramming, grabbing junk food, running to and from classes and heavy homework loads may contribute to unhealthy weight gain. This can cause students to eat on the run or not eat at all.
www.freshman15.com/healthy-eating-guide.php

Keep in mind that going without eating is one of the unhealthiest things you can do to your body. Make healthy food choices throughout the day and always have healthy snacks on hand. Lunch is important during the afternoon, because this is when energy in the body starts to plummet. By eating lunch, you are telling your body that you need energy for the remainder of the day. If all your classes are in the afternoon, this makes lunch even more important. Stick to whole grains, fruits, and vegetables so that you retain energy longer. Healthy snacks are okay to eat a couple of times a day, as long as you are staying within a reasonable portion.

Instead of grabbing a sub or sandwich from a fast food restaurant, make something of your own. This way, you are saving money, time and making your sandwich the way you want. Choose cheese that is low in fat but keep it to a minimum. According to the USDA food guide pyramid website, by switching to whole wheat from white bread in your lunch, you will gain added fiber and essential vitamins such as vitamin B6 and vitamin E.
www.mypyramid.gov

Many teens and young adults crave deep fried foods–especially if they are under pressure or stress. French fries are a popular food among college students. If you are a french fry fan, choose healthy alternatives such as baked fries or baked sweet potatoes. Season them up with vinegar, garlic and pepper and stay away from salt which promotes bloating and water retention.
www.freshman15.com/healthy-eating-guide.php

Make your own tuna and chicken salad at home, ahead of time. Replace mayonnaise with a low fat salad dressing. Wrap your salad in a large lettuce leaf or low fat sandwich wrap. Enclose in a reusable container that will prevent excess waste.

Many college students enjoy potato chips alongside their favorite sandwich. A healthy replacement may be 10 to 12 small pretzels or 100 calorie low fat chip packs. A cheaper option would be to buy low fat snacks in large bags and portion control the right amount into small snack size baggies to go.

Buying vegetables at your local grocery store saves money rather than buying them at the school’s cafeteria. Cut fresh vegetables into easy to eat finger foods. Portion size cut vegetables such as baby carrots, celery or green peppers along with an individual veggie dip or single serving salad dressing to go.

Veer away from soda and sugary drinks. It is easy to grab a can of soda on the run, but try looking for alternatives such as flavored water or juice. Some juices can supply your daily recommendation of fruits or vegetables, which is another time saver. Buy a bulk pack of powdered juice along with a thermos if a fridge is easily available. This is an extremely cheap way to get juice at a low cost, plus it is healthier than soda.
www.mypyramid.gov

Building mixes of fruits, low fat meats, juices and water into your lunch is the first step into eating better. College is tough, so eating healthy and being active is an important factor in keeping your grades up. Walk instead of ride and try hitting the gym at least 3 times a week. Making healthy changes now will establish good eating habits for years to come.

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