Eating Healthy During College & Grad School

As the undergraduate and graduate school years are an intense period of study, healthy eating often takes the backseat to keep up with the daunting workload and schedule. Some students find that they put on extra pounds as they try to eat on the run. Others skip meals altogether and waste away. However, as we all know it, adequate nutrition is needed for optimum learning and creativity. Skipping meals or eating out daily can save time, but ultimately do more harm than good.

Creating nutritious meals takes time and money that students do not have. Or do they? Healthy eating is possible with limited time and it does require planning. Here are three tips to fueling your studies:

1. Buy in bulk: Stores like Costco and BJ's offer deals that can help you stretch your food budget but you need to buy in bulk.

2. Put leftovers to use: When you cook, make it count by making enough for leftovers. Break up leftovers into several different meals. For example, the turkey turns into sandwiches and then congee. Leftover chicken can be served over rice, over salad, or in soup. Plan how to use leftovers so that you cook fewer big meals each week.

3. Bring your lunch and snacks: Lunches don't have to be boring. Leftovers are a simple go-to, and consider snack-like lunches, such as veggies, a handful  nuts, some fruit, and slices of cheese. Use insulated lunch bag to carry snacks and food or any set of small containers. Keeping healthy (and inexpensive) alternative snacks in your bag or desk, such as granola bars, hand fruit, peanut butter, and pretzels can keep hunger at bay. Don't give yourself an excuse to eat from the vending machine.

Remember, healthy eating, college or graduate school can go hand-in-hand with a little planning. Your body and mind will thank you for the nutritious fuel.