How to eat better at university?

StephEO

Hello everyone ! I'm Stephanie. I've been trying to eat really well lately and I have started exercising everyday again so I'm really doing well, BUT I go back to university on the 25th and I'm worried that I'll gain it back. I'm going into my junior year and I've managed to gain weight both freshman and sophomore year, probably about 17 pounds in total (from the summer of my graduation up until now...shocking and gross, I know.) I'm really worried about gaining weight again.

Luckily, I'm moving to my school's clinical campus for the health science majors and we eat hospital cafeteria food (which everyone warns is just alright) so I'm hoping that I don't eat too much, but I always end up gaining weight, even when the food isn't that good. Most people cook, since the kitchen is on the same floor as the dorms, so I plan to do that. The gym at this campus is 24 hours so hopefully I can get myself to go there, but I just lose motivation at college ! I have about 90-100 pounds to lose so I can't afford to gain more weight at school.

Any advice from people my age (I'm 20) who are going through this or people that aren't my age that went through this? Any help would be wonderful! Thanks

torrmairi

I'm 19 & was in catered accommodation last year. My halls of residence didn't seem to give a crap about nutrition for vegan students (all deep-fried carbs) but I tended to fill my plate with salad and veggies, get a couple of pieces of fruit, then either skip or have less of the main. Focus on the fresh, whole food if it's available and you'll be fine.

pkw58

Maybe you can get a work out pal. And petition the cafeteria for healthier foods.. it's quite a big movement at several of the universities in the USA

StephEO

Thank you guys ! Great advice ! I'm going to just pick the healthier options and get a workout buddy .

emsal13

I cook at school and I try to have lots of fruits and veggies on hand at all times. Stir fry is a really easy and healthy go-to dinner. I also really like making quinoa with black beans or pizza on a Flat Out wrap broiled in the oven for a few minutes. Hungry Girl has some great cook books that have easy recipes for college students that don't use too many ingredients. I also always bring my lunch and a few snacks so that I can be prepared. I still "eat" with friends, but I just eat the food I brought from home. It's also way cheaper to cook than to have a meal plan!

My school offers free group fitness classes at the gym so that is also a good way to balance out those times when you do eat at the dining hall. They're really fun and you can make some more friends at the same time as getting some exercise in!

jadums

As someone who has the same weight lose goals as you and who is about to go back to university, I feel your pain. All I can tell you is that the key is discipline and creating a plan that you can manage. Look at your class schedule and figure out what time slots are best for you to go work out. Look at the cafeteria food at the hospitals and on campus and see what would be healthy affordable choices. Look at what you can easily and regularly manage to cook in the dorm that you will like but will also be aligned with your goals. Often there are different classes you can sign up for or pay for at the gym, so find something you like that you can go to. As already mentioned, find a workout buddy (or several) to help keep you on track.

The key to university and weight loss is slow consistent planned and managed effort.

Good luck!



P.S. Plan to cheat. Plan for the nights you want to go for pizza or have a few drinks. Either workout ahead of time to cover the calories or account for extra calories from the previous week as added required exercise (above and beyond your normal routine). And finally, when you fall of the horse (because we all do) forgive yourself and get right back on.

StephEO

That stir fry is a really good idea ! I'll try and experiment with healthy meals because I'm not a huge cook but I have to start because I can not rely on school food

StephEO

As someone who has the same weight lose goals as you and who is about to go back to university, I feel your pain. All I can tell you is that the key is discipline and creating a plan that you can manage. Look at your class schedule and figure out what time slots are best for you to go work out. Look at the cafeteria food at the hospitals and on campus and see what would be healthy affordable choices. Look at what you can easily and regularly manage to cook in the dorm that you will like but will also be aligned with your goals. Often there are different classes you can sign up for or pay for at the gym, so find something you like that you can go to. As already mentioned, find a workout buddy (or several) to help keep you on track.

The key to university and weight loss is slow consistent planned and managed effort.

Good luck!



P.S. Plan to cheat. Plan for the nights you want to go for pizza or have a few drinks. Either workout ahead of time to cover the calories or account for extra calories from the previous week as added required exercise (above and beyond your normal routine). And finally, when you fall of the horse (because we all do) forgive yourself and get right back on.

Great advice !!! Ughh pizza is my worst enemy. I order so much of it when I'm doing late night studying. Thanks for the advice !!