Now that it’s the new year, you may be starting to realize how hard it is to stay healthy when having to eat at the good ol’ college dining hall, if you haven’t already come to terms with this fact. All you can eat pizza and ice cream seems mighty enticing after endless hours in the library. However contrary to popular belief, it actually is possible to stay healthy when eating in the dining hall. Here are some tips to help you on your healthy quest!
1. KEEP YOUR PLATE BALANCED AND COLORFUL
Remember the food pyramid you learned in elementary school? It’s still relevant! Try to fit as many different food groups on your plate as possible to keep your diet balanced and your body in check. Switch up your old and boring salads and throw some chicken, hard boiled eggs, and cut up apples on your salad in order to fulfill most of the major food groups in one easy and delicious way. In addition to that, try to make your plate as colorful as possible. Different (natural) colors provide different necessary nutrients that your body needs to run!
2. ONE PLATE, ONE SERVING
One balanced (food group-wise) plate of food is the average portion size for the average college-aged student. Only take one plate of food, and try to restrain going up for seconds. I know that the all you can eat buffet may be EXTREMELY tempting, but you can do it! Portion control is the name of the game here.
3. BEWARE OF THE EXTRAS
Many healthy meals can be made unhealthy with just a few dangerous additives. Instead of going for the pre made salads with the loads of gut-busting dressing, or the pasta drowned in a sea of alfredo sauce, opt for the salad bar where you can choose and then monitor your dressing, or ask for a bowl of plain pasta, and add a bit of olive oil and veggies from the salad bar for a healthier alternative!
4. SAY NO TO SUGARY DRINKS!
Soda may be an obvious thing to avoid when trying to eat healthy, but that’s not the only sugar-filled drink awaiting you in the dining hall. Most juices have just as much, if not more sugar than the average soda, and very little actual fruit filled nutrients! Instead of reaching for another glass of grape juice, opt for some tea sweetened with honey or lemon with your breakfast.
5. CREATE YOUR OWN FOOD MASTERPIECES
Nothing in the hot line at the cafeteria even looking remotely delicious/healthy? Get creative! Grab a piece of toast, some avocado, olive oil, and salt and pepper from the various parts of the dining hall, and then ask one of the staff at the breakfast bar for a fried egg. Put it all together and you’ve got a healthy and satisfying treat for any time of day! After all, who doesn’t love some avocado toast?
6. IT’S OKAY TO SPOIL YOURSELF
Just because you are trying to eat healthy doesn’t mean that you have to completely stave off your guilty pleasures. If you are really craving those chicken nuggets one night, go for it! Just remember, moderation is key! If you go cold-turkey on junk food you may just be on the verge of the ever dangerous junk food binge. Eating a bit every so often will keep you satisfied without completely breaking your healthy streak.
7. WHEN YOU ARE FULL, LEAVE
I know that the dining hall is one of the most social places on campus, especially Freshman year. Sitting around and chatting with friends while sitting right by the french fry station makes the craving ever so strong. To avoid this temptation, simply leave when you are finished eating. Out of sight, out of mind!
Just because you have unlimited pizza at your disposal doesn’t mean you have to be the next to gain the Freshman 15. Take charge of your health (while still eating some uberly delicious food) by following these few simple tips! If you have any other helpful tips, please comment below!
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