Trying to eat healthy on college campus

qwe12370

Since I started going to college its been difficult for me to lose weight. The food option on my college campus doesn't have too many healthy food option.
I try to go to the gym at least 3 times a week for about 1 hour but as the semester goes on, it becomes difficult to go consistently.
What are some advice of what to eat and how to stay committed to going to the gym?

whitewolf1200

Hey! So I'm in college right now too (feel free to add me). I'm trying to lose weight since I put on quite a bit my freshman year. So I go 4-5x a week. No excuses. I know that midterms are right around the corner but trust me you have time. Procrastination is what really gets to me and most college students. I seem to go more often than you but I only workout for 45 minutes. It balances out in the end. The extra 15 minutes that you workout I use to go back and shower.
As for eating... this is HARD. Trust me I know that it can be impossible especially if you have to eat at the diner, yuck. Obviously I don't know your schools layout, but try to hit the salad bar and when that gets old ... because it always gets old- try stir fry (if you have that). Also, you can ask for grilled chicken and then put some veggies on the side. Soup is also always a good option. Just obviously don't go for cheddar broccoli soup. I know my school has a vegan part of the diner and that always seemed healthy. I wouldn't know because I just pigged out on pasta and buffalo chicken wraps last year. I live in an apartment this year so I get to control what I eat more so its been easier. Anyway best of luck and I'm sure someone else will respond with advice as well.

chemlabdoc

The campus menu should have nutritional info, so you can plan what to eat in advance. It doesn't have to be salad all the time. Once you have a calorie goal you can pick specific items to fit. MFP has many entries for Sodexho, that runs some cafeterias. That can give a good estimate if you can't find published info.
Use exercise calories to eat extra. That is a good motivation. If you only have 300 calories left for dinner then run 3 miles before you eat.
Finally, just drink water and stay away from the soda.

RodaRose

Yes. Stay away from the orange juice and other sweet drinks. Focus on meals that have protein that is not fried or slathered with gravy. Look for baked, broiled, or steamed options. Get extra greens and extra veggies when you can.
If you are an early riser, breakfast is good because you can get eggs and bacon. Depending on your calories for the day, you can get toast without butter, find some fresh fruit and so on.

jls6462

You can also buy your own microwaveable veggies, sweet potatos, cottage cheese, eggs, and soups to make in your dorm microwave. I do this when I go to my boyfriends dorm rather than my apt. A cool easy option is buy uncle bens microwaveable rice and add in your own ingredients to make fried rice, then get a couple of chicken breasts from the commons. It's tough to eat on campus but not impossible!!!

qwe12370

@whitewolf1200‌ yeah I agree, in the beginning of the semester i pretty much just ate from the salad bar. Lately, I haven't eaten from there. I have been trying to get all that is required for "MyPlate" (Fruits,Veggies,Grains,Protein, and Dairy) every time I eat a meal... When I eat stir fry I tend to overeat, so I just try to stay away from it.

qwe12370

@chemlabdoc‌ When I notice that I am about to run out of my calorie goal on MFP i try to burn more calories in the gym so I would have enough calories to eat later on in the day.... YEAH, I agree with staying away from soda, I can't even remember the last time I drank soda.