When students begin their 麻豆频道University journeys, not only are they beginning their professional pursuits, they鈥檙e also in charge of what they eat and when they eat鈥攁 new experience for many students. Routine home-cooked meals are replaced with busy, varied schedules and a plethora of choices in the University鈥檚 dining halls.
It鈥檚 a big change for students, one that, if not handled properly, could set them up for a lifetime of potentially unhealthy decisions involving food.
Deirdre Smith-Howard
Thankfully, for students who are struggling to maintain a healthy relationship with food, the employs two registered dietitian nutritionists: and , who have plenty of advice for students to develop healthy eating tendencies from their first day on campus.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a big transition for students. The change can bring both excitement and challenges. Many students are leaving home routines where there may have been more structure around meals. Students are now responsible for their own schedules and carving out time for meals. If students are not prioritizing meals, it can be easy to fall into bad habits where they may be skipping meals or eating out more frequently,鈥� Smith-Howard says.
鈥淭here is so much that is new the first semester on campus, and eating in a dining hall is just one aspect of a student鈥檚 new reality. It鈥檚 a huge change and a different transition for each student, depending on their previous at-home food environment. A student who hasn鈥檛 previously made many decisions about what to eat each day might find it difficult to get into a rhythm with their eating patterns,鈥� adds Douglas.
Here are some important tips for students to consider when planning their meals:
Kristin Douglas
鈥淎 healthy eating pattern is flexible and balanced and includes eating regular meals and snacks. Focus more on foods to include versus foods to cut out,鈥� Douglas says.
鈥淚 often talk to students about 鈥榳ork foods鈥� and 鈥榩lay foods.鈥� Work foods are nutritious and support health by providing us with good nutrients. Play foods might not have a significant nutrient profile but they are foods we enjoy based on taste and enjoyment. A healthy diet can include both fun and play foods,鈥� says Smith-Howard.
Among the common mistakes they see students making: skipping out on meals, only eating a large meal in the evening, waiting until the last-minute to settle on a meal choice, eating while distracted (think popping potato chips into your mouth while binge-watching your favorite television show), and becoming too rigid with their diet that it negatively affects their physical and mental health.
What about the freshman or first-year 15, referring to the penchant for students to pack on 15 or so pounds their first year at college?
Douglas says it鈥檚 an 鈥渦nsubstantiated notion that only serves to create added stress for students who are already going through an adjustment period. This concern can make eating even more difficult.鈥�
Smith-Howard agrees that the first year of college is a 鈥済reat time for young adults to practice self-care and create healthy habits around sleep, food and exercise. Mindful eating practices can also be helpful in establishing a healthy relationship with food.鈥�
For students living off campus, Douglas stresses the importance of planning, shopping for and preparing their meals since 鈥渨e often underestimate the time, effort and cost of preparing meals.鈥� She recommends investing in a lunch box with a freezer pack, purchasing reusable containers to store leftovers, grocery shopping regularly and buying frozen fruits and vegetables.
If a student is struggling with food and dietary issues, the Barnes Center at The Arch offers that do not require a doctor鈥檚 referral and are covered by the student health and wellness fee. To schedule an appointment, call 315.443.8000 or visit the .
