Written by Jaime Fawcett
Seva Man loves the summer because that means he gets to make friends with all of the new and totally awesome college interns in the office. And what did the interns miss most while they were at school…
“Food!” Seva Man says. “Eating healthy at college is surprisingly difficult for our college-goers. Many of them are happy to be home or on their own just so they can eat better.”
And so, this summer, Seva Man is here to help our interns with 5 quick tips on eating healthy at college before they head back to school in a few, unfortunately short, months.
1. Find A Routine
Your schedule will be hectic and will likely vary day to day, but try to find a set time to sit down and have a snack. Your body will get acclimated to the routine and will know when to expect food and when not to. It will help keep your stomach from growling in lecture.
2. Sneak Snacks Into Class
You’ll probably find small prepackaged snacks in your school’s convenience store. Tiny 100 calorie packs are perfect for sneaking into class. To be even more healthy, bring a small container of nuts, a bag of dried fruit, or an apple. Besides, nobody really pays attention to those “No Food or Drink Allowed” signs, right?
3. Manipulate The Meal Plan
Take a good look at the meal plan and dining locations on campus and find out which ones have the healthiest options. Ask for nutrition facts if your school has them. To keep costs down, buy a smaller plan and then supplement meals with healthier homemade meals or side dishes.
4. Invest In A Rice Cooker
Rice is a great bulk food to have on hand. Its healthier than most other grains, so it’s a good source of filling carbohydrates. Plus, you can mix in a variety of lean meats, cooked or raw veggies, and sauces to have a different meal every day. Rice cookers are as cheap as $30, a solid investment that will cook your rice to perfection in minutes.
5. Seek Out Help
Your school’s health or athletic services probably have a nutritionist on campus available to all students. Don’t be afraid to make an appointment. They can help you learn just how many calories and what kinds of nutrients your body needs. They’ll also help give you the best tips for eating on campus or where to buy food off campus with a tight budget.
