Why Eating Healthy In College Is Important
When you think of a college student’s diet, the first words that come to mind are pizza, ramen, and Red Bull. While these food options are not bad in moderation, it’s important to be aware of how important and impactful the type of food you eat is. Your diet dictates so much more than you think. Things such as your mental and physical health are impacted by your everyday eating habits.
As a college student, you use so much energy in your day to day from walking across campus, doing homework, taking tests, participating in physical activities, and so much more. Since so much energy is being used, it’s crucial that you fuel up with food that actually sustains you for the day. While ramen, pizza, and Red Bull will give you a burst of energy, there are other food choices that will allow for the energy to be extended. There are so many studies on what a balanced and healthy meal looks like. The beauty of it is that you can make it customized to your likes and needs. A balanced meal should contain some protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The customization is up to you! Something as simple as switching Red Bull out for an electrolyte drink or choosing an apple over chips can have positive effects on your overall being.
When you eat a balanced diet, it is scientifically proven that your mood levels rise. Nutritious food is often filled with vitamins and antioxidants, which are known to reduce anxiety and improve brain function. When you feed your body with foods that contain these nutrients, you are preparing yourself for a day of focus. On the other hand, when you eat processed foods, you can see higher stress levels and fatigue. Students in college already have enough stress and fatigue in their daily lives, why not reduce it as much as you can?
When looking at the future, creating healthy eating habits is something that starts now. The sooner you introduce yourself to beneficial foods, the more your body will crave those in the future. Creating healthy eating habits is a simple way to show love to yourself.
In conclusion, it can be seen that eating healthy in college is beneficial to your physical health and your mental health. A simple change can make you feel more confident in your daily life, and will prepare you to be the best student you can be !
