Updated: 12/29/23
College is an exciting time filled with new experiences, making lifelong friends, and gaining knowledge that will shape our futures. However, amidst all the hustle and bustle of campus life, one aspect often gets neglected – nutrition. As college students, we prioritize late-night study sessions or socializing over cooking a nutritious meal when we should be focused on eating healthy in college. Fast food and ramen noodles replace nourishing meals as our go-to option due to their convenience and low cost. But what many of us fail to realize is how significant of an impact these eating habits can have on our overall health and well-being in the long run. In this post, we’ll explore how you can maintain a healthy diet while navigating your way through college without sacrificing taste or breaking the bank.
Making the transition to college is hard enough—juggling work, school and a social life, let alone learning how to eat healthy in college and take care of yourself. It’s often considered one of the most crucial transitions in a young adult’s life. You may also experience a transition in your everyday diet, specifically if you move away from home and once relied on home-cooked meals. Studies suggest that unhealthy eating habits have a significant influence on weight in young adults, which can negatively affect health.
7 Easy Ways to Eat Healthy in College
Eating and preparing healthy meals as a college student can be a tedious task, especially with limited resources. However, it’s not the end of the world and it doesn’t have to be as hard as you may think. To help you navigate your new journey a little better, here are a few tips.
Tip #1 – Plan Your Meals
Don’t let your busy schedule get in the way of your health and cause you to skip meals or forget to eat. Maintaining a healthy diet may help reduce the risk for illnesses, support your day to day energy levels and dictate your performance in your classes. Your schedule for classes, homework and extracurricular responsibilities should also dedicate time to meals and healthy eating. Try to set aside time for breakfast, lunch and dinner and take breaks for small healthy snacks during the day. Skipping meals in college is often way too common and shouldn’t be practiced when you are eating healthy in college. But try meal planning, preparing grocery lists and cooking in advance for the week so that your meals are one less thing you have to worry about.
Tip #2 – Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is essential for staying healthy and alert. It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re busy with classes and activities, but it’s important to stay hydrated. You can carry a water bottle with you and refill it regularly. You can also drink unsweetened tea or fruit-infused water for some variety. Try our cranberry powder or blueberry powder and add in some creatine for energy when you are eating healthy in college!
Tip #3 – Practice Mindful Eating
It’s also important not to overeat. Being mindful and recognizing when you’re hungry and when you’re full could be a determining factor in your overall health and maintaining a healthy weight. Be mindful during your meals. Really take the time to be aware of what you’re eating and how much. Even if you have a million different tasks and activities to complete, it’s important to take breaks and this includes eating. Try not to eat while you’re studying or doing homework. It’ll give your brain a break and allow you to focus on your food and your health.
Tip #4 – Pack in Your Protein
You should also be sure to make sure your healthy meals have enough protein from healthy sources. Getting enough protein improves satiety, which makes you feel full and is needed when you are eating healthy in college. Studies state that satiety and energy expenditure are important in protein-enhanced weight loss and weight management. You can find sources of protein in animal and plant products like meat, milk and dairy products, eggs and fish. These foods also contain amino acids, which the body needs to produce more proteins and stay healthy. You can also get protein from our supplements such as whey protein, organic pea protein, and peanut flour to name a few.
Tip #5 – Make Healthy Snacks
Snacking is an essential part of college life, but it’s important to choose nutritious snacks. Instead of junk food, you can choose fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, or vegetables. These are easy to carry around and can provide you with energy and nutrients throughout the day which is needed when you are eating healthy in college. You can keep snacks in your backpack or dorm room, so you’re always prepared.
Tip #6 – Choose Healthier Options
When eating out, it’s important to choose healthy options. You can opt for whole-grain bread instead of white bread, choose grilled or baked foods instead of fried foods, and avoid sugary drinks. Ask for healthier substitutions or portion sizes. You don’t have to sacrifice taste or socializing to eat healthy. Eating vegetables for breakfast kicks the day off to a great start.
Tip #7 – Try Dietary Supplements
In addition to other healthy foods, there are also dietary supplements for college students to take that may add a little extra health boost.
You can use dietary supplements for energy and focus so you can power through lectures and study sessions. The body needs these vitamins naturally to support your overall cognitive development and taking them as supplements may mimic these actions and help support your attention span in class. They can also help supply the nutrients you may be lacking in your everyday diet, especially if—like a lot of college students—your options are limited. Here are a few natural vitamins and their potential benefits:
- B vitamins—including vitamin B6, vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin B12, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B3 (niacin)—may help supply energy in the body.
- Vitamin D may also help with immunity to prevent illness, support overall mood and supply energy.
- Omega-3-6-9 fatty acids may help manage stress and mental health.
- Multivitamins are essential for college students who struggle to meet the daily recommended intake of essential vitamins and minerals through their diet.
Make sure to consult a doctor before taking dietary supplements to make sure they are right for you. All dietary supplements may have different side effects depending on the person taking them. Individual needs may vary, so it’s important to consult a physician to make sure you’re taking the right one for you.
Where to Buy Dietary Supplements for College Students
Are you interested in trying any of these supplements? You can purchase these natural vitamins at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. Visit BulkSupplements.com to place an order today!
Vitamin D3 powder & softgels
Many college students spend most of their time indoors. As a result, they may not get sufficient amounts of vitamin D from sunlight. Studies have shown that vitamin D3 can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, which can be important for your mental health. It also supports bone health, which is crucial if you are regularly lifting weights at the gym.
Vitamin B6 powder
Vitamin B6 plays an essential role in cognitive development and function. It helps the brain produce neurotransmitters that regulate mood and mental alertness, making it ideal for students dealing with anxiety and depression. Moreover, it aids in hormone production and immune function, improving your overall health.
Folic acid (vitamin B9) powder
Folic acid is vital in cell growth and regeneration. It supports brain development, making it essential for college students. Research shows that folic acid supplements may enhance cognitive function, memory, and potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Vitamin B12 powder
Vitamin B12 is responsible for red blood cell production and brain function. As a student, you need adequate amounts of this nutrient for optimum cognitive performance. It helps in neurotransmitter production and the development of the nervous system.
Omega 3-6-9 softgels
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain and heart function. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that protect against diseases such as Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Omega-6 and omega-9 also support brain function and overall health, making these supplements an all-rounded package.
Thiamine (vitamin B1) powder
Thiamine is necessary for a healthy nervous system. It helps in the production of neurotransmitters, which regulate mood, concentration, and mental alertness. As a student, you need all the focus and concentration you can get, and thiamine can provide just that.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) powder
Riboflavin is useful in energy production, making it ideal for students who need to go the extra mile. It helps in converting food into energy, which the body uses to improve physical and mental performance.
Niacin (vitamin B3) powder
Niacin helps in the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, providing energy for the body to use. It also aids in the production of neurotransmitters, improving cognitive function and overall health.
Bottom Line
Eating healthy in college can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Practicing activities like meal planning and preparing meals and grocery lists in advance can help you save time and money. Mindful eating can help you focus on your meals and snacks, as well as your overall health and well-being.
Try to create a balanced diet that is high in protein and full of colorful fruits and vegetables for energy and focus. College students also have the option to take supplements to fulfill any nutrient needs they may not be getting from their diets. If you do decide to add supplements to your diet, make sure to consult a doctor first to confirm safety and potentially avoid side effects. With some mindful planning, staying healthy in college is easier than you think!
** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.