Tips and Advice

Being a full time college student, I know just how difficult it is to stay healthy with a tight budget and a busy schedule.
In the past, I made a bad habit of eating only once a day because I didn’t have time to cook steady meals and clean up afterwards. I’m the kind of person that wants the ‘easy way out’ and be done with it. My ‘one-meal-a-day’ plan was anything but healthy and as the months rolled by I lost weight, became dehydrated all the time, had concurrent migraines, and experienced ongoing spells of fatigue.
Let’s face it, college can be very time-consuming and many of us don’t even think about our health but there are easier ways to keep our energy strong.

   

A College Student’s Best Friend: The Microwave

    How many times have you depended on the microwave for a quick bite to eat ? How many times a week ?  Do you buy a large sum of frozen dinner meals to make it through the week ?
I certainly have ! I would buy countless $1.00-frozen-dinner packets for my lazy comforts.
    College students strive for microwavable meals but this doesn’t mean it has to come straight out of the frozen food section!
There are many healthy meals you could assemble. For instance, instead of buying those cheap (not to mention bland-tasting) frozen meals, I bought a Microwave Steamer. It may set you back $10.00-$15.00 but it is worth it in the long run ! Everyday I would make a lovely side dish of vegetables for my meals and the reward is heaven ! My energy came back right away after purchasing one and my focus was renewed.
    During my days of ONLY having a microwave, I began purchasing other components for a healthy lifestyle like the Microwaveable Rice Cooker. Rice may not have a strong vitamin value but it is great to eat with your vegetable side dish. 
    Don’t hesitate to outsource for your microwaving-diets, there is a lot out there that could help you get out of your “frozen-dinner-meal”  frets.

The Hot Plate

   
    The Hot Plate is the best thing to have if you are living in a separate room-for-rent or a dorm. They can range from $15.00 to $50.00 (depending on where you get them and whether they are a single or a double).
 I got a single-burner right off eBay and it worked for awhile as I assembled my meals with both it and the microwave.
As we all know, protein is an important element to have when you are sprinting to and from campus and studying textbook after textbook for exams.
    I got a little tired of steaming seafood in my Microwavable Steamer so the Hot Plate supplied me other quick options.
I purchased boneless-skinless chicken breasts at a local grocery store and instantly produced a chicken/veggie/rice dish. If I have a busy week and cooking seems downright impossible, I would make a big bowl of beef stew (or chicken) and live on the leftovers for two or three days.
   

Budgets, budgets, budgets

    Okay, eating healthy can be a little pricey for a college student but there’s one thing I can tell you that you have heard many times before:
    KEEP A BUDGET !
Calculate how many times you “eat out” for a quick meal and calculate how much money you spend in average for fast food.
I can’t tell you how many times I would sprint to the nearest fast food restaurant because I didn’t want to cook or I wanted something deep fried and smothered in transfats.
    In a sum, I had spent a total of $50.00-$70.00 in fast food monthly ! Several of my colleagues spend more ! 
    Think about it, if you resist “temptation” you would be putting your money into something more beneficial for your health. After refraining from my fast-food adventures, I had more flexibility with my finances. I invested more into daily vitamin supplements and I go to my local flea markets to purchase a hefty supply of vegetables and fruits (produce tends to be cheaper there).
   

Snack Attack

    It is wise to keep a supply of granola/vitamin bars for that extra boost during the long days of studying. Personally, I recommend keeping dry snacks close by (nuts, dry fruits, plain popcorn).

Caffeine

    I’m a big soda and coffee drinker, which made it all the more difficult to minimize my intake. I strive on caffeine and let’s face it, we all need our “wake-up” juice during our demanding days. For an alternative caffeine supplement, I transitioned to green tea and water and it worked out nicely. Drinking soda and coffee can make you feel energized but no one likes the “burn-out”/hydrated feeling it gives you afterwards. I recommend “tip-toeing” away from the caffeine habit and hydrate yourself !
    I use to drink a total of three caffeinated sodas with a cup or two of coffee later on during those “all-nighters” and I felt horrible. Now I nourish myself with eight bottles of water and a splash of green tea here and there daily, I feel great. No more headaches !

Conclusion:

   
Consider purchasing microwavable steamers and other handy cookware, they will help you greatly in the long run.
Avoid fast food altogether and invest your time into shopping at your local markets.
Have a supply of healthy snacks for your own disposal during the day
Limit your caffeine intake and hydrate yourself

Other Notes:

If you have a busy week, plan a head of time and cook a big meal that guarantees you a few days of leftovers.
Always, always, always have a daily vitamin supplement (it counts !).


With regards,
Avie