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Simple Tips for Eating Well and Staying Active in College

Categories Stories , Health tips

Staying on top of physical health in college can be tough. With busy schedules, getting balanced meals and regular exercise often feels out of reach.

If you have the space and tools, meal prepping can make a big difference. By preparing meals in advance, healthy eating becomes both convenient and enjoyable. It saves time and ensures you have nutritious meals ready, cutting down on the need to resort to fast food or less healthy options when time is tight. 
 

Tips for Successful Meal Prepping: 

  1. Create a weekly menu featuring lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. 

  1. Choose versatile recipes that can be batch-cooked and used in various dishes. 

  1. Prepare staple items in bulk, such as pre-cooking rice and storing it in the refrigerator, cooking chicken in advance and putting portions in the freezer or washing and cutting fresh vegetables so they are ready to use or snack on when needed.  

  1. Use portion-sized containers to simplify packing and manage calorie intake. 

  1. Clearly label containers with contents and dates for freshness and organization. 
     

Consider swapping high-calorie drinks like soda and energy drinks for water or even diet sodas—this is one of the simplest ways to reduce calorie intake.

Aim to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables when preparing or choosing meals. The remaining half should be divided between lean protein and whole grains.

To stay active, aim for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Activities like walking, swimming, biking, dancing and hiking all count. Additionally, include muscle-strengthening exercises at least twice a week.

Here are some easy ways to work exercise into your routine: 

- If you live close enough to school or work, consider biking or walking when possible. It’s a great way to start your day, benefiting both your physical and mental health. 

- Use study breaks to fit in a quick 15-minute workout, whether a quick walk, lifting light weights or climbing a few flights of stairs.

Remember to choose activities you genuinely enjoy. If the gym isn’t your thing, that’s okay—there are plenty of other ways to get your weekly exercise. The more you enjoy it, the easier it will be to make it a consistent part of your routine.