By Megan Spencer |Staff Writer|
Top Ramen Noodles and cereal is a typical college student meal.
Yet, society pokes fun at the students diet even though people know they are broke.
Food is usually the least of student’s worries.
Health counselors Katie Hoang and Yasmin Kalaji, who can be found in the Nutrition and Food Sciences department, understand this struggle well and have tips and tricks to jump-start your nutrition plan.
First, they offer some important benefits to eating healthy.
“Eating healthy is about longevity and just all around feeling better. It makes it so you’re not sluggish and to prevent diseases like heart disease and even some cancers,” said Hoang.
For students on a budget they have many healthy options.
“In the Commons there is a salad and fruit bar, and at Tito’s Corner they have vegetarian options that are decently priced. I encourage you to check it out!” said Kalaji.
“Every Thursday outside of the student union there is a fresh fruit stand and it is only a few bucks,” said Hoang.
Not only is it important to start a healthy eating plan, but to maintain it.
The number one thing is to engage in physical activity.
“Take the stairs. Park father away. Use the school gym because you’re paying for it through your tuition anyway,” said Kalaji.
Visit and talk with the counselors in PS 319 for great advice.
If you don’t already have a nutrition plan or your thinking of starting one, here are some tips to make this transition easier.
Proportions should be around the size of your palm.
Use a smaller plate and it can help you eat less.
Always aim to fill half the plate with vegetables and eat salad and vegetables before the meaty and starchy items.
The trick is your meals should be colorful.
Not only is healthy food an important part of a daily lifestyle, water is as well.
“Have water near you. You will drink it more often,” said Hoang.
For more tips and advice, visit eatright.org for tips of the day, choosemyplate.org to help track your meals, for meals on a budget, daily food plans, BMI calculator and foods to stay clear of.
If you are on the go, download myfitnesspal to your phone and you can actually scan the barcode of your foods to track it that way.