Poor eating habits encompass a fundamental public health issue that possesses varying health and educational implications on college students (Santrock and Jane 12). During their first year in college, many college students suffer from freshman 15 or a considerable gain in weight due to such factors as changes in food, diet patterns, stress and sedentary lifestyle. Research ascertains that a considerable relationship exists between college students’ performance and eating habits. As such, a positive relationship has been identified between first year grade-point average and eating breakfast. Though many college students neglect their health by engaging in negative eating habits, they should engage in proper diet patterns to enhance their academic performance.
Sneaky snacks. Many college students consume high amounts of snacks during their busy academic schedule. To curb an increased intake of high calories, the students should consume such healthy snacks as those produced by Nabisco as they only contain 100 calories. Essentially, college students should always snack on veggies and fruits to enhance their health and concentration outcomes.
Food Fuel. While studying for exams during late hours, many college students skip meals in favor of coffee and energy drinks. Though such drinks might be fortified with various vitamins, they lack various nutrients that are constituted in balanced diets. College students should consume such food fuels as vegetables, light yoghurt, milk, fruits and lean meat.
Finding a working routine. After getting used to effective class schedules, a college student should formulate an eating routine that works. This encompasses finding the convenient times to take meals which might vary daily, but aids in curbing the diet pattern of eat-run (Santrock and Jane 103). This ensures consumption of a balanced diet that boosts the student’s concentration span; hence, boosting his or her academic performance.
Channeling the inner Julia Child. Rather that eating out, students should visit grocery stores and shop for such healthy foods as fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits, lean meats, canned vegetables, whole grain breads, whole grain cereals, eggs and low-fat-dairy products. These are not only healthy, but economic friendly for the struggling college students
Getting creative. Most college student’s diet encompasses a variety of noodles. To enhance their nutrition value, the students should get creative by adding frozen vegetables before heating to increase the quantity of minerals and vitamins as well as adding lean meat, lean chicken or beans to enhance the noodles’ protein levels (Santrock and Jane 102).
Stay balanced. Even when out with friends, the students should ensure that they eat a balanced meal that contains, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and proteins. Essentially, in fast foods they can order sandwiches that are healthier as compared to the other greasy food served in fast foods.
Enlisting the help of a nutritionist when in doubt. In this case, the nutritionist aids the student to create and maintain a personalized fitness and nutrition plan that can work in line with their busy college schedule.
Getting an A in fitness. Exercise is fundamental for the maintenance of a healthy life in college. Many colleges offer both physical fitness classes as well as various sports to provide avenues for exercise for the students. Exercise is essential for college students as it reduces health risks, aids in setting routine and schedules, reduces depression and stress, boost immune system. All these benefits are aimed at enhancing a student’s academic performance. Essentially, excising boosts the mental activity of most students culminating into improved grades (Santrock and Jane 104).
Bibliography
Santrock, John W, and Jane S. Halonen. Connections to College Success. Boston, MA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2007. Print.