By Nadia Steinle.
Fuel your body, fuel your future.
In case you didn’t know, March is Nutrition Awareness Month! As we approach the end of the spring semester, it is a great time for college students to reflect on their nutrition and find areas where they can improve or grow their healthy habits. When it comes to college, with busy schedules, late nights, and social events, nutrition often gets neglected. However, prioritizing balanced meals and mindful eating can help to improve energy levels, enhance concentration, and sustain an active lifestyle. This guide offers actionable strategies to help students nourish their bodies and optimize their well-being.
Why nutrition matters:
Between a busy day of classes, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs, many college students depend on quick, convenient food choices that often lack essential nutrients. Proper nutrition plays a critical role in sustaining energy, brain function, and physical health. Without a diet consisting of the three key macronutrients - carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids (fats) - it can be hard to put your best effort forward in class or other activities without sustained energy. Just like your muscles, your brain needs nutrients and energy to function properly. In summary, eating a diet high in nutrients can help improve your immune system and avoid sickness to stay healthy in college!
Simple nutrition tips:
Whether you go to the grocery store, are on the go, or go out to eat, choosing which food is best for you can be difficult. Here are some tips to help.
- Prioritize protein. Incorporate lean meats such as chicken or turkey, eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, or beans to keep you full and support muscle recovery.
- Choose mindful carbs. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provide steady energy instead of sugary snacks that cause crashes.
- Never skip breakfast. A balanced breakfast can enhance concentration and metabolism throughout the day.
- Find balance. Enjoy all foods in moderation while prioritizing nutrient-dense meals.
- Plan ahead. Meal prep your meals for the week before you go to the grocery store so that you can prioritize nutrition even when you are short on time.
Healthy options on and around campus:
There are plenty of healthy options all around Tulane’s campus and in New Orleans, and you don’t have to go far to find them! On campus, options like the Wildflower Kitchen located in the LBC and the Green Wave Grille, attached to Yulman Stadium, offer great options for lunch or dinner. In addition, Shake Smart, one of Tulane’s newest innovations, is located near the Small Family Collaboration Hub and offers high-protein and whole-food smoothies, shakes, wraps, and more!
Outside of campus, you can make healthy choices at Rouses on Freret Street or Whole Foods on Magazine Street. Two of my other favorite options in New Orleans are Good Bird on Freret, where I always get the Greek Salad, and Baya Bar, which has great juices and acai bowls!
For more in-depth nutrition tips, you can ask certified dietitians for advice right here on campus. You can speak with dietitians from Tulane Hospitality on select Tuesdays in the Reily Center atrium this semester. In addition, you can book an appointment with a dietitian at the Student Health Center for one-on-one nutrition counseling.
Prioritize your well-being!
Life can get hard and stressful as a college student, but making your nutrition and well-being the top of your priority list is something you will not regret! Through small steps such as fueling your body for work and activity, making mindful choices, and taking advantage of healthy options, you head towards a more healthy and balanced lifestyle. Your body and mind will thank you!
