9 Affordable Ways for Students to Stay Healthy – Students have various responsibilities to juggle. However, in spite of their packed schedules, they should always dedicate some time to maintaining their health.
While constantly buying organic produce is infeasible on a student’s budget, there are an alternative, affordable practices that can promote good health.
1 . Campus farmers’ markets
Famers’ markets are convenient, as students don’t need to travel off campus to buy fresh food, eliminating travel expenses and preventing time from being wasted. Prices also tend to be reasonable, since these markets deliberately target students. Students can fill up on fresh fruits and store them in their dorms as healthy snacks. In addition, consider arranging a potluck dinner with hall-mates, and purchase the ingredients from the farmers’ market—not only will this be the perfect opportunity to eat a healthy, locally sourced, home-cooked meal, but it will also be a great way to make friends.
2 . Make wise choices in the cafeteria
Many schools have “all you can eat” dining halls that make it difficult to keep portion control in mind. Use smaller plates, or load up on vegetables and salad before making your way around the dining hall—these psychological trick can convince you there’s enough food on your plate, making it easier to refuse unhealthy, fast food options. At the same time, incorporate a variety of food to ensure proper nutrition. Also, pack a small, reusable lunch container to save leftovers. If the day’s schedule is packed, grab extra food from the cafeteria for later—it’s much more difficult to make healthy choices when hungry than when full.
3 . Take advantage of campus facilities
Even grade schools have small gyms or an outdoor track that is open for use during specific hours. Try squeezing in a workout between classes or in your free time; exercising is necessary for both physical and mental health. College students may even have discounts to campus workout classes, providing the perfect opportunity to try a new sport. Bringing friends will make keeping fit an interesting social pursuit. Campuses may even rent bikes for lower rates; choose to bike or walk instead of riding public transportation.
4 . Use a refrigerator
Some students living in dorms may have the convenience of having a refrigerator in their room. Perishable snacks tend to be healthier than processed snacks, so instead of buying foods with preservatives and stabilizers, go to the farmers’ market or grocery store to buy fruit, vegetables, and hummus, or yogurt. Having healthy options on hand is convenient, especially when running late. Individuals who don’t typically eat breakfast can even have a small snack from the refrigerator to get their day started on the right foot.
5 . Be aware of nutrition/ingredient labels
Understanding how to read foods labels is an important skill. Snack foods often hide excessive amounts of high fructose corn syrup, sodium, and fat. Even snacks even labeled with “100 calories or less” may be laden with filler ingredients, making them nearly equivalent to their original counterparts. Always double check the ingredients to avoid unhealthy purchases.
6 . Maintain a schedule
The school year is hectic and busy—in order to learn successfully and live a balanced life, structure must be implemented. Allot time for meals, get enough sleep at night/set aside time for a nap, and leave time to work out. While it may seem like extra chores are being added to an already busy day full of classes, extracurricular activities and homework, proper health and time management will in fact make life less stressful.
7 . Buy a water filter
Bottled water is expensive, so invest in a quality water filter to always stay hydrated. Drinking enough water will prevent overeating and make it easier to refuse convenient, sugary drinks.
8 . Don’t substitute drinks for food
During exam periods, energy drinks fortified with “vitamins and minerals” may seem convenient and practical, but they cannot serve as substitutes for real food. Take a break and eat a proper meal for quality nutrition and brain power. read a more eye media article
9 . Don’t make every meal a social event
Exploring new restaurants with friends is a great way to bond, but eating out with others often makes it easier to make unhealthy choices or to overeat. Instead, find alternative, cost-effective ways to spend time with friends, such as visiting a state park or going to a free concert.
