What you eat every day affects how you feel and your health in the long run. Good nutrition plays an important role in promoting health and well-being. When integrated with physical activity, your diet can help you achieve your health goals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. As you are going to see, forming healthy eating habits isn’t an impossible task. All you have to do is make small changes gradually. And you’ll end up creating a huge impact. As a student, food is fuel to the body. When you are dealing with difficult assignments, exams, and study sessions, you may feel like you don’t have time to prepare and consume a balanced and healthy diet. However, you can do it.
What is a balanced diet?
Consuming a balanced diet means that you are getting the required amount of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and fats. Getting these nutrients requires you to consume a wide range of foods.
To consume a balanced diet, you need to eat 1 or 2 servings of fruits or vegetables per meal, starch such as legumes, and whole grains, and protein such as chicken, fish, yogurt, and eggs to name a few. Most students fall into the trap of not consuming enough vegetables and fruits. You need to read ideas for eating disorder college essay to better understand this topic and make the required changes. Reading essay samples on essay topics such as mental health will change how you think and behave. Another major issue is consuming lots of greasy and sugary foods. These foods have lots of calories and fewer nutrients.
- Consume more fruits and vegetables
Studies have shown that the average American consumes only half of the recommended servings of vegetables and fruits every day. Therefore, adding as many fruits and vegetables to your school diets will go a long way in promoting your health. To achieve this, you have to be mindful of what you consume every day.
- Get some calcium
Calcium is essential for a wide range of things in the body such as blood clotting, nerve function, strong bones, healthy teeth, and muscle growth. Studies have shown that human beings build bone mass until they attain they reach 30. And then it gets harder to add calcium to bones. Therefore, make the most out of your time and add calcium every day. Dairy products are some of the best sources of calcium. If you don’t like dairy products, other sources of calcium include seeds, nuts, green leafy vegetables, soy milk, almond milk, sardines, cottage cheese, breakfast cereals, and rice milk. Your body needs 1000mg of calcium every day. And you can get this from three or four servings of foods rich in calcium. Stay hydrated
One of the easiest ways to improve your health and well-being is by staying hydrated. Water is one of the most readily available and inexpensive fluids. Therefore, always carry a water bottle around and refill it when required. Water plays an important role in maintaining a balance of body fluids. These body fluids help in digestion, circulation, absorption, and maintaining body temperature. Apart from that, it improves skin and kidney health. If you don’t enjoy drinking lots of water, you should consider increasing your fruit, vegetable, and beverage intake.
- Try new foods
College dining halls usually have a wide range of foods. Some students are comfortable eating what they are used to while others love trying new foods. If you tend to consume the same foods every day, your body might end up lacking some important nutrients. Eating a wide range of foods will ensure that your body gets all the nutrients it needs. Being adventurous when it comes to food pays off in the long run. All you have to ensure is that the foods have been prepared well to avoid stomach issues. Weight loss schools offer a skinny school diet and healthy lunch for teenage weight loss.
- Consume healthy snacks
It’s always great to have some snacks after a long day in class. Snacks are a great way to get more nutrients in the body. Consuming nutritious snacks will boost your energy levels and add beneficial nutrients. Some of the best snacks to have in your dorm room include fruits, nuts, roasted soybeans, and popcorn to name a few.
Conclusion
In college, most students tend to neglect their health. They eat junk food, sacrifice their sleep, avoid exercising, drink alcohol excessively, and even smoke. Nothing good comes out of sacrificing your health. Without good health, you cannot do much in any area of your life. One of the best ways to improve your health is by consuming a balanced diet regularly. Having the right amount of proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, and fats will go a long way in improving your health. The best part is, nutritious foods tend to be cheaper than junk foods and sugary drinks. You can improve your health and save a lot of money in the long run.
Author’s Bio:
Connie Elser is an expert in academic writing and editing. She champions health and productivity in higher learning institutions. She is passionate about socializing and traveling the world.