Maintaining a healthy diet while trying to power through the hectic schedule of a college student can be a challenge. College students often find it hard to make time for a balanced and nutritious meal plan.
Developing unhealthy eating habits during college years can have detrimental effects later down the road.
“[College students’] behaviors in college easily turn into habits that stick with you for a long time and changing dietary behaviors can be difficult,” dietetics professor Teresa Drake said. “What you eat over the course of four years can also impact your health both in the short and long term.”
According to a U.S. News & World Report article, a study from Northwestern University reported that 95 percent of students do not eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables, which is the recommended amount, each day. Over 60 percent of students get less than the recommended amount of exercise.
Forming a bad diet and exercise habits can create a plethora of physical and emotional problems.
“A healthy diet is the foundation for success, if you eat well, you feel well,” Savannah Peters, a senior dietetics major, said. “When you eat junk food like chocolate, french fries and burgers all the time, you feel lethargic and tired. But eating healthy keeps you energized and focused.”
A variety of medical issues can arise if college students do not build a balanced diet.
“Not eating healthy now can lead to a variety of health issues in the future,” Peters said. “Like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and the list goes on and on.”
However, there are many steps that college students can take to ensure a healthy lifestyle, even during busy college years. Students can start by creating a balanced diet.
“A balanced diet should contain a balanced amount of carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, protein, fat and dairy,” Peters said. “A balanced meal should always be half fruits or vegetables, with some lean protein and whole grains.”
Drake said services are available for people looking to add structure to their meal plan.
“The USDA’s MyPlate and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide recommendations for a balanced diet,” Drake said. “Students can use online resources such as MyPlate or take a nutrition course to learn more about eating better.”
Students struggling to build and follow a healthy lifestyle can also take advantage of the services on Bradley’s campus.
“Body Works!” is a counseling service on campus that allows students to schedule confidential appointments with senior dietetics majors. Appointments can cover anything from nutrition counseling for weight loss to nutrition education for healthy lifestyle choices.
Technology has even allowed students to monitor their food intake in the cafeteria.
The MyFitnessPal app allows users to track their calorie count and log their eating and exercise habits.
“[The MyFitness Pal app] even has Aramark dining options, so you can track what you are eating in the cafeteria,” Peters said.
Working to create the perfect meal plan while having to be limited to dining hall options can be tough but not impossible.
“It’s really important for college students to follow a healthy diet, but I understand how difficult it can be when you are on a campus meal plan,” Peters said. “It’s important to be creative in choosing food on campus.”
