From Our Chefs
Healthy College Food: The Top 5 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Eating Approach (even when you're busy)
Healthy college food. It can sound like a biiiit of an oxymoron, right? Not with the College Chefs mindset! We spill our top 5 favorite tips to maintain balance.
When most people think of college food, they imagine greasy takeout pizzas and cheap packaged ramen. And while that stereotype may ring true for some, it’s the antithesis of what the College Chefs experience is all about.
We’ve compiled a team full of culinary experts, highly trained chefs and passionate foodies. Our tastes range everywhere from cozy comfort food to luxury fine dining. But, we understand that for college students the most important factors to their diet (other than nutrition and taste) are ease and convenience! Hectic schedules, late night study sheshes, a full social agenda and ballin’ on a budget can lead to students reaching for cheap, processed options for food.
College is an opportunity for students to spread their wings and make their own choices. It’s a time full of highs and lows. But most of all, it’s a time for tremendous growth. The patterns and habits cultivated during this time will be the building blocks to the style of life they want to lead. Food is a requirement for humans to survive and thrive! That’s why it’s imperative that there’s a healthy approach college food.
At College Chefs, our professionally trained chefs take the guesswork out of delicious and nutritious options. But if you don’t have the luxury of experiencing the College Chefs way, we’ve rounded up a list of our favorite ways to keep it healthy, quick and easy!
College Chefs’ Top 5 Tips to Maintain Balance
1. Aim for a well rounded plate at every meal!
This means getting a healthy balance of protein, carbs and good fats! This ensures that when you do have the time to sit down and enjoy your food, you’re getting adequate nutrition.
2. Keep healthy snacks on hand.
If you have a tasty trail mix, rice cake or some veggies and hummus on hand, you’re more likely to reach for what you already have rather than seek out some junk food when the munchies hit. Check out our Top 7 Anti Inflammatory Healthy Snacks with healthy college food choices!
3. Stay Hydrated!
This seems obvious but drinking enough water is ESSENTIAL to proper brain functioning. The Harvard School of Public Health explains,
“Drinking enough water each day is crucial for many reasons: to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Being well-hydrated also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood.”
4. Cultivate a Healthy Relationship with Food.
Like any relationship, this takes time to develop and takes many twists and turns. For many students, college is their first opportunity to live independently making their own choices. To put it simply, a sign of a positive relationship with your diet is balance! Overeating or restricting can be signs that the relationship may need a little work. Healthy college food isn’t black or white, it’s about what’s best for you and how you feel! Tap in and listen to your body.
5. Get creative and have fun! (Our favorite tip)
Maybe you try a new dining hall, or try a new vegetable! Maybe you experiment in your dorm’s kitchen or try a cool restaurant off campus. A healthy mindset doesn’t mean you label foods “good” and “bad” or restrict yourself from foods you love! It means you’re sure to work towards a state of balance in getting a healthy dose of nutrients when you’re eating!
At College Chefs, we know that healthy college food is possible. It just comes down to a relaxed mindset and approach to eating or cooking. Paired with a little knowledge of what foods feel good and which ones are more of an occasional indulgence, not only are you setting up your studies for success, but you’re laying a healthy foundation for future success as well! Treat your body with kindness and delicious, nutritious foods and you won’t regret it.
