eating healthy at school

lilprincess1026
lilprincess1026 Posts: 15 Member
in Food and Nutrition
is it possible to eat healthy while you're away at college?

Replies

  • minizebu
    minizebu Posts: 2,716 Member
    Yes. It is a matter of the choices that you make. Did you purchase a meal plan at your college that allows you to eat at a dining hall? Usually the dining hall is cafeteria style and you can select from among several choices. Some dining halls have salad bars, and vegetarian options, or heart-healthy options, etc.

    If you are in an apartment and are buying your own food, then of course, you can make healthy choices. Rice and beans (or lentils) are inexpensive, and most fresh vegetables and fruits are not terribly expensive.
  • lilprincess1026
    lilprincess1026 Posts: 15 Member
    i eat at a dining hall.... we have pizza, burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, something with potatoes, and the "vegetarian options" usually consist of veggies and rice or rice and tofu etc and our salad is kinda limited as well .
  • greyjoie
    greyjoie Posts: 16 Member
    Ok so I'm dieting with a meal plan and I know your pain.
    Basically, I order healthy sandwiches, or get a chicken breast and veggies. My cafe also has a salad bar, and a chicken caesar salad is a gift. However, your choices are limited, and I'm slowly growing sick of everything.
    My advice to you is if you have a mini-fridge in your dorm, supplement your food supply. I keep yogurt and sugar free pudding and lean cuisine meals in my fridge. I also have bought low-cal snacks to eat with the cafe food.
    It's harder than having your own choice of foods, but it's definitely doable!!
  • LishaCole
    LishaCole Posts: 245
    Do you have access to a kitchen, or have a fridge in your room?

    If so, I do up snack bags, and throw a bunch in my bag. I will make enough for the week on sunday, and then store them in the fridge.

    Options:
    - Raw veggies (carrots, broccoli, peas, cucumber)
    -Cheese and crackers
    - Sliced apple in lemon juice
    -dried fruit and nuts

    I will also do up a few days worth of "overnight oatmeal" so I have those too.

    Beware of the dining hall, I gained 20 lbs there. We had very similar food choices. If the only food you have access to is from there, I would emphasize portion control. Try and find the healthiest options possible, and find new ways to put a spin on it. Different dressings or whatever.

    Good luck!
  • ashesfromfire
    ashesfromfire Posts: 867 Member
    Most schools have open hours in there gyms, available for student use when classes aren't taking place in there - that has been my biggest life saver in school. But man it totally freaking stinks trying to lose wight while in school.
    Getting a day planner really helped for me, so I could pencil in a workout and a meal plan
  • Nickiii_123
    Nickiii_123 Posts: 134 Member
    I found this blog JUST before I got onto mfp and read your question. Fate! haha. She has food restrictions so you will have more options I think but the stuff she lists is a good place to start. I used to live in dorms and was on a meal plan so I feel your pain. Good luck!

    http://www.spoonfulofsugarfree.com/2012/08/20/new-room-new-snacks/
  • lilprincess1026
    lilprincess1026 Posts: 15 Member
    thanks guys =0) your tips def help.

    why do you put the lemon juice on the apples? ( is it so they dont turn brown?)
  • sc1572
    sc1572 Posts: 2,309 Member
    it IS possible! hard at times, but not impossible! i'm a junior in college and have managed to lose over 30 lbs. :)
  • willia123
    willia123 Posts: 60 Member
    I think it is. I didn't participate in the meal plan when I went to college. I was too concerned about gaining. I had a small fridge in the dorm and I kept fruits and veggies handy. I did chicken on the george foreman. I did miss going to the caf with my friends but I will say that they ALL gained about 15-20 lbs that year and I stayed the same.

    If you are doing the meal plan, stay away from the bad stuff and fill up on the salad bar and all the veggies...grab a piece of lean protein. It'll take a lot of willpower, but you can do it!
  • lwagnitz
    lwagnitz Posts: 1,321 Member
    thanks guys =0) your tips def help.

    why do you put the lemon juice on the apples? ( is it so they dont turn brown?)

    Yes, that's exactly why.

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