Eating healthy in college can be a difficult expectation for any college student, but an important one to maintain. A well-balanced diet provides success in the classroom and the gym. Keeping yourself from hooking up with the wrong foods can be easy if you prepare your favorite college meals with macros in mind.
Pizza, ramen, chips, and cereal become an everyday staple in the diet of most university-goers, but pack these alternatives in your meal management bag instead so you can snack guilt-free.
Ramen -> Veggies & Peanut Butter
This microwavable delicacy is so appealing to college students because it's cheap and easy to make. Packing 875 mg of sodium, 25g of carbohydrates and a measly 4.5g of protein, however, these noodles are nothing but empty calories. Scrap ramen from your meal management bag and pump up your nutrients and protein with vegetables and peanut butter instead.
Pizza -> English Muffin Crust
Late night pizza is the definition of the college diet. Finding a better alternative can be difficult when it comes to eating healthy in college, especially when you're planning a TV show marathon with your roommates. Make a healthy substitute with an English muffin for the crust and your favorite healthy toppings to spice it up. Microwave your creation and pack the leftovers in your
Expedition Backpack.
Chips -> Fruit, Nuts, Veggies
Spending hours studying can lead to major snacking. When eating healthy in college, cheating with chips can all too easily compromise your nutrition. Keep your macros on track by hooking up with better snacks like almonds, veggies and low-fat dip, air-popped popcorn or fruit. These great options add fiber and good fats to your diet while keeping you away from greasy snack temptations.
Bagels & Muffins -> High-Fiber Cereal, Yogurt, Fruit
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because you have to start the day with a properly fueled body. Most college students roll out of bed and run to class, with nary a thought given to a decent breakfast.
Avoid the ease of a bagel or muffin and keep yourself eating healthy in college by getting ready the night before. (For tips on how to do this, check out our guide to
how to meal prep on a college budget.)
Fill your Snap Lid Containers with high-fiber cereal you can easily eat on the go. Top it off with low-fat or fat-free Greek yogurt as well as fresh blueberries for a delicious and filling breakfast.
The key to eating healthy in college is being prepared for all the standard dietary temptations. Whether you're studying for the upcoming exam or getting a workout in between classes, keep these healthy alternatives on hand in your meal management bag, gym tote, or gym backpack.
Get inspired with even more of our ideas for
how to eat healthy in college, as well as our
college edition of physical fitness tips, to stay on track for a healthy and balanced body and mind.