Okay you guys, let's admit that the worst part of school is waking up. This morning I had an 8 a.m. class and I woke up late! I got ready in about 20 minutes. I hopped on the shuttle and it was running late as well! Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, it starts raining and my genius-self forgot my umbrella! I had absolutely no desire to be in class and was STARVING! So I did some research and found different ways that food affects your mood.
According to everydayhealth.com having a long-term unhealthy diet can increase risks for depression due to high sugar and a high consumption of processed foods. I began to realize how many students spend their time making hot pockets and mac and cheese in their dorms. How many of those students are currently going through a depressive state of mind? I hope not many. However, the reality is that 44% of college students report having symptoms of depression and 75% of students do not seek any medical attention. Could this be linked to the foods they have been eating since the beginning of the year, or the beginning of their college career? If you are feeling upset or sad, try switching to healthier foods and snacks. I previously made a list of healthy alternatives to unhealthy snacks. It may not only save your life one day, but can also help getting you in a better mood. :) I hope you feel better if you are currently in that situation. I wish you the best of luck and send out all of my love.
From one college student to another, love your body and love yourself. You are awesome and doing everything you can to survive another day. Treat your body and treat your brain with the right fuel to show your full potential to the world!
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Healthy Snacks Promoting Healthy Brains
- Peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat bread, pita, or crackers
- Yogurt with fruit or granola
- String cheese and a fruit of your choice
- Dried fruit with nuts
- Trail-mix
- Hummus on pita wedges
- Tuna or chicken salad with crackers, pita, or whole wheat bread
- Veggies with hummus
- Veggies with peanut butter
- Cereal or granola bars
- Natural fruit smoothie
- Fruit
- Nuts
- Dried fruit
- Bagel with cream cheese
- Hard-boiled egg and whole wheat crackers or fruit
There are so many healthy alternatives to unhealthy snacks. Instead of going for a bag of chips, try some trail-mix. If you are craving something sweet and scrumptious like a cookie, go for an apple. There are many different ways to revolutionize the way we snack. It begins with small steps and small changes. Do not expect something miraculous to happen overnight. However, these snack will help you feel energized and will hold you over for as long as you need. Mix and match a few and find out which one you like best! Not only will you have a delicious snack, but you will also get the nutritional needs your body needs to keep studying just a little bit harder.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Why are college students gaining so much weight?
These are a few causes for overweight and obese college students:
- eating late
- sleep deprivation
- unhealthy snacks
- skipping meals
- lack of exercise
- alcohol consumption
- energy drinks
- fast food
- unhealthy cafeteria food
- poor nutritional skills
- poor nutritional habits
- poor nutritional information
- cheap food
- misunderstanding of their bodies
Be Smart, Eat Smart
Getting accepted into college is a big deal. It's the moment that many of us wait a whole life time for. We emerge as our own individual person and finally get to take on our dreams. For some, college may be the time of their life, while for others it can be the start to their nightmares.
Freshman 15 is a myth that states that during the entire course of freshman year, the average student will gain 15 pounds or more. Yikes! Sadly, for many, this is true. Students are so focused on their school work that they begin to forget to eat a good, hearty meal. Since they are always working on a paper, studying for an exam, or in class, there is no time to sit down and eat (much less cook). Nowadays, dorms are not even equipped with better areas for students to cook. The most college dorms will provide is a microwave. Ask yourself: What kind of foods does this encourage students to eat?
A friend of mine was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. One day, I asked her why she isn't motivated to eat healthier. She replied with, "I simply don't have time and there isn't much to choose from around campus. So I end up eating pizza at the dining hall, or chick-fil-a on campus." Instead of encouraging students to live a healthy lifestyle, college campuses are providing students with convenient foods that fit their needs.
I hope that this blog helps encourage young students to not only be smart, but eat smart. Our body needs to be nourished just as much as our brain.
Freshman 15 is a myth that states that during the entire course of freshman year, the average student will gain 15 pounds or more. Yikes! Sadly, for many, this is true. Students are so focused on their school work that they begin to forget to eat a good, hearty meal. Since they are always working on a paper, studying for an exam, or in class, there is no time to sit down and eat (much less cook). Nowadays, dorms are not even equipped with better areas for students to cook. The most college dorms will provide is a microwave. Ask yourself: What kind of foods does this encourage students to eat?
A friend of mine was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. One day, I asked her why she isn't motivated to eat healthier. She replied with, "I simply don't have time and there isn't much to choose from around campus. So I end up eating pizza at the dining hall, or chick-fil-a on campus." Instead of encouraging students to live a healthy lifestyle, college campuses are providing students with convenient foods that fit their needs.
I hope that this blog helps encourage young students to not only be smart, but eat smart. Our body needs to be nourished just as much as our brain.
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