Top 10 Tips for Maintaining Proper Nutrition for College First-Timers

University Relations - Communications
Aug. 25, 2014

We know that the better you eat, the better you think. That's what a growing body of research tells us.

Research also tells us that brain development does not stop when we are in our teenage years, but continues through the 20s. For most college students, these are very crucial points to note, indicating that proper nutrition – along with numerous other healthy lifestyle choices – are important to brain function and, ultimately, learning.

We enlisted Sarah Rokuski, a nutrition counselor for the UA's Campus Health Service, to help identify some of the most important things students can do to ensure that they are getting proper nutrition. Here are Rokuski's top 10 tips.

Tip 1: Make occasional trips to a grocery store. Although picking up food on campus is more convenient, trips to the grocery store can save you money.

Tip 2:. Stock up on your favorite frozen fruits and veggies. Frozen fruits and veggies, without added sauces or seasoning, are a great option and are quick and easy to store and prepare.

Tip 3: Learn to cook. Learning to feel more comfortable in the kitchen opens up tons more opportunities for healthy eating. Learn how easy it is to prepare deliciously healthy recipes at the Cooking on Campus classes offered every other Tuesday at the UA Campus Recreation Center's instructional kitchen, located in the Outdoor Adventures area. 

Tip 4: Make sure your plate has color. This can be done easily by adding your favorite fruits and vegetables to each meal.

Tip 5: Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals can lead to overeating and may lead to poor food choices. It also can affect your energy level and ability to focus. Prepare for busy days by packing your lunch or a few healthy snacks to bring along with you. For healthy meal and snack ideas, visit Cooking on Campus.

Tip 6: Eat mindfully. This means eating when you're hungry and stopping when you're full. It's easy to get into the habit of eating just because it's the time for it, or continuing to eat past the point of satisfaction. Listen to your body and trust that it will tell you when it needs food or that it has had enough.

Tip 7: Look for the Smart Moves symbol at Student Union eateries. The symbol indicates that a food is unprocessed, colorful, delicious and environmentally sustainable. Make a smart move to eat real foods, more plant-based foods, and less processed, bagged or boxed foods.

Tip 8: Don't diet. Diets often look attractive because they promise fast results, but these results may never come and if they do they often don't last. Dieting can also lead to weight gain, nutritional deficiencies, or even the development of an eating disorder. Focus on living an active lifestyle and making mindful food choices. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, the UA's Counseling and Psych Services can help.

Tip 9: Eat locally and seasonally. Eating local and seasonal foods will not only benefit your health, but it's also good for local farmers, the environment and the local economy. To learn more about how to eat healthy, local, seasonally and sustainably, check out the UA Food Day Fair

Tip 10: For more specific nutrition information and tips, visit the UA Campus Health Service.

All gifs courtesy of Giphy.com

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