Food And Water – So Basic, So Simple
Okay, so it may seem obvious, but we tend to take for granted of our food and water – both their accessibility and quality.
Dining halls, food courts, coffee bars, snack bars, and convenience shops – the campus scene often resembles the typical mall these days, and the options can be just as unhealthful. Popular fast food chains are becoming more common on many campuses, too, making your favorite fries, burgers, nachos, and pizza just as available as they were back home. So even if you’re on a meal plan, it’s easy to make some unwise choices. Our suggestions?
Eat nutrient-rich foods – Fresh fruits and veggies have raw enzymes you won’t find in processed foods. Keep some fruit in your room, along with yogurt for intestinal health. Fortunately, some colleges are offering more health-conscious options, like whole grain breads and vegetarian meals, but you need to make the choice – they won’t do it for you. If the dining hall has one, make a pit stop at the salad bar.
If you think you’re immune to the dreaded Freshman 15, think again. Many men and women will find themselves with extra padding during their first year in college. So if you can’t steer completely clear of temptations – mayonnaise-clogged salads and heavy, salty soups – be sure to add serving of raw, color-rich foods, like dark leafy greens. Rule of thumb: if it’s white, try not to bite!
Practice portion control – When you hit that buffet, avoid seconds by limiting yourself to one plate per meal. Make your lean meats and veggies your first choices, leaving just a little room for those calorie-dense foods high in carbs and fat, such as potato and pasta-based dishes and fried foods. As for soups, remember that those creamy versions often have more fat and salt than you realize. Opt for soups featuring beans, rice, veggies, and lean meats.
Liquid Assets – Fresh water – Getting enough water is vital to getting rid of toxins and keeping your cells in working order, inside your skin and out! And you don’t need to invest in gallons of bottled water each week, which can get pretty pricy. The U.S. boasts the most potable tap water on Earth. If you claim to drink plenty of liquids, what kinds? The Center for Science in the Public Interest indicates that adolescents get as much as 13 percent of their calories from soft drinks. Add to those figures high energy drinks and coffee concoctions, and you’re crowding out the essential element – water – that your body needs every day. Drinking soft drinks and caffeinated beverages also reduce consumption of calcium in the form of milk and may introduce a lot of artificial additives. So drink plenty of fresh water. And when you choose alternatives, read the labels.