Now your schedule is probably getting more hectic and chances are that Freshman (or Sophomore, or Junior or Senior) Fifteen is ahead of you.
With all the vending machines, frat shops, late night cravings, and less-than-optimal Food in the dining hall, it can be really difficult to eat healthy and avoid gaining unnecessary weight.
But good news, girl, I did it! I know you, and I know how difficult it can be to eat healthy when it seems like junk food is tempting you everywhere you go. That’s why I’ve put together the most amazing Hot Body Meal plan that will take the struggle out of maintaining a diet that works for you. In the meantime, here are some helpful tips for maintaining healthy eating habits during these crazy college years (and beyond):
Size matters
It’s so easy to feel like everything is fine when you don’t eat junk food! Um, unfortunately no. Whether you live in an apartment where you can prepare your own food or are trying to meal plan in the dining room, portion size is one of the most important aspects of a healthy diet.
Our culture has a really bad habit of automatically filling our plates and then eating so quickly that our brains can’t even register when we’ve had enough to eat.
So instead of filling a big plate with food, grab a bowl or bread plate and serve yourself in “courses” (fancy, right?).
Start with what you know you should eat: vegetables, salad, etc. Once you’ve taken the time to eat slowly, evaluate how hungry you still are and then move on to a meat – or protein type – again smaller portions! Treat yourself to a small dessert or a leisurely drink afterwards.
Spacing out your meal helps your brain keep up with your stomach and prevents you from overeating. With portion control, you can occasionally treat yourself to meals with friends or treats without suffering the consequences. It may seem like a small thing, but girl, a small thing goes a long way!
Buy with your space in mind
It’s very difficult to store food in your dorm room’s mini-fridge, and even if you live in a house or apartment, there’s a good chance you’ll be sharing kitchen space with other people. But constantly eating out is a good way to drain your bank account and increase your waist size, so it’s important to shop ahead of time. When you go to the store, try freezing your staple foods first.
Frozen vegetables and pre-cooked chicken may not be as ideal as the fresh versions, but it saves a lot of space (and money) and the nutritional value is still very good. For the things you can’t freeze, be sure to buy things that won’t spoil quickly or buy them in small quantities. Buying what you want to eat in advance gives you the most control, so take advantage of the opportunity and set your future baby self up for success!
I recommend stocking up on pantry staples that you can easily store in your dorm room. Cans, jars, crackers and bars are a godsend when you don’t have time to go to the dining room.
We all drank highly caffeinated drinks throughout the night. Curled up in your dorm, head in books and coffee in hand. No one has room for milk in their mini fridge, but black coffee is so easy. Blue Diamond Almond Milk is shelf-stable, so you can keep it in your pantry or cupboard until you need it. And if you can barely keep your eyes open, you’re going to need it. It adds just enough deliciousness to your coffee and seriously saves you from your late night study hours! It is also ideal for smoothies and other snacks that provide quick energy.
hydrate
If you know anything about me, you know that I am a HUGE advocate for drinking lots of water… and I mean lots. Our bodies often mistake thirst for hunger and we end up eating too much and not drinking enough – oh yeah. Try to keep a water bottle or canteen with you and drink water during class.
Aim to drink at least 16 ounces with each meal and chug a few more throughout the rest of the day—more if you exercise regularly. This will make you feel full and your concentration, digestion and overall health will be boosted by hydration!
Just by drinking enough water and controlling your portion sizes, you’re already well on your way to avoiding extra pounds and maybe even losing weight. But let’s get into some of the finer details.
Navigate the dining room
If you don’t already live in an apartment or don’t have your own kitchen, eating in the dining room can be very difficult, especially if you have a meal plan and frequent these pre-prepared food stations.
If you’re surrounded by fried, processed, and sugary foods, try looking for foods that you can hunt, gather, or harvest: lettuce, raw or cooked vegetables, beans, grilled or fried meat, raw fruit, etc. This way You can create your own meals using ingredients you have chosen yourself, rather than picking up a ready-made meal from the hot food offering. You have so much more control over your portion sizes and what you eat.
Listen to your body
It can be as simple as sitting in the dining room or other popular watering holes and eating for hours while sitting, studying and chatting with your friends. Try to consciously listen to your body and know when you are 80% full (our mind takes longer than our body to realize that we have enough food, so we end up eating more even though we already are full – same idea as portion control!). Once you’ve eaten enough, you can grab a low-calorie drink like black coffee, tea, or water if you still want to stick around and chat.
Stock up on the right snacks
This is so important because let’s face it: snacking is essential to a successful college career. Hunger may creep up on you during the night study session or when you don’t have time to get something to eat between classes. When you are at the store or in the dining room, be sure to grab a few things like raw nuts, fruits, and vegetables and keep them in your bag or next to your desk. This way, when you get really hungry, the first thing you grab is an apple and not a candy bar from the vending machine.
You can also try to prevent sudden hunger by establishing a routine: eat a handful of almonds when you know you usually get hungry and try to prepare your body for it.
And let’s not forget the sweets! It’s also a good idea to keep some healthy treats like berries and dark chocolate on hand (you can also put these in the freezer) so you can treat yourself during those long nights of studying.
One of my favorite snacks that is super filling is chocolate chia pudding! Literally all you need is some almond milk – enter that Almond Breeze– Chia and cocoa powder. Done and done!
Put a few of these tips and tricks in your bag and I promise you’ll tighten your belt even when your friends are bloated from sodium, sugar, and too much soft serve. And of course, if you’re really serious about healthy eating, you can use this Hot Body Meal Plan to take the guesswork out of healthy eating.
One less thing to worry about? Yes, please! This fabulous meal plan gives you something easy and delicious to follow, ensuring that even if your schedule spirals out of control, your diet won’t be under your control.
The post Crucial Wholesome Meals Information for Faculty Ladies appeared first on Waist Cincher.
This post first appeared on Waist Cinchers: What They Are, How They Work, And Whether They're Right For You, please read the originial post: here
