When you’re off to college, it will likely be the first time that you are fully in control of your consumption choices. There may be a student dining hall with a predetermined menu and a limit on what you can afford financially, but you are ultimately responsible for what you choose to put in your body and how those choices impact the planet. The homework and exams will inevitably pile up on top of unfamiliar social situations and pressures, but you have to nourish yourself first and foremost. Only then can you show up fully for your college experience.
The Mind, Body, Nutrition Connection
Going through college is a whirlwind of challenges and opportunities, and your physical and mental well-being can significantly impact how you navigate this exciting chapter of your life. College students often experience high stress levels due to the demands of coursework and the pressures of adjusting to a new environment. You may even experience bouts of depression or low moods if the pressure is piling on or you feel a bit homesick.
This means it’s crucial to take care of your mental health in college. You can take key steps such as staying organized and reaching out for help when you need it. You can also create a self-care routine, which should include eating a balanced diet. After all, one underestimated aspect of college is the profound connection between how you feed yourself and your mental wellness.
Eating ramen, fast food, and take-out are common parts of the college experience. Though commonly associated with late-night study sessions, these foods aren’t always the best choices for your brain, body, and soul. Instead, you can positively influence your journey through college in several ways by being conscious of the food you put into your body.
Boost Your Mood and Emotional Well-being
The foods you choose to eat can play a pivotal role in maintaining your emotional well-being in school. Certain foods are known mood enhancers. Incorporating these types of foods into your diet can help you better cope with the challenges of college life. Consider mindfully implementing some of the following into your diet:
- Bananas;
- Whole gains;
- Fatty fish, such as salmon or tuna;
- Dark leafy green;
- Yogurt;
- Dark chocolate.
Try to pick dining hall meals that have some of the aforementioned foods and see if you can incorporate some healthy fats and essential nutrients into your snacks to give your brain a boost.
Give Your Skin a Glow-up
Stress can wreak havoc on your skin in college. You may think the days of blemished skin are behind you after graduating high school, but you still need to take care of your skin. You will feel more confident and put together for those important social and professional moments you’re bound to experience at this time in your life.
Food and drinks with antioxidants, like those found in green tea, are good for your skin health. Antioxidants can protect your skin from pollutants, stressors, and the sun. Other foods with antioxidants include:
- Dark chocolate;
- Raspberries;
- Strawberries;
- Artichokes;
- Grapes;
- Spinach.
Do some research to put together your ultimate skin-food list. Your skin, hair, and nails can tell you a lot about your health, so if you notice them suffering, take stock of your lifestyle. You can even visit a school doctor, dermatologist, or nutritionist to get personalized recommendations.
Feed Your Soul
Beyond the immediate physical and mental benefits, the choices you make about what you consume can also have a profound impact on the planet and your sense of purpose. A transition to a plant-based diet can give you some newfound confidence in college. When you feel good about what you’re putting in your body, you can feel good about your life choices.
Sustainable eating may be a bit more difficult with the restrictions that college life puts on your dining habits. However, any effort is worth it. You can improve the health of the planet and of your body by nourishing it with sustainable foods, like non-dairy products and non-GMO, organic fruits and vegetables. College is a time of growth and self-discovery, and your consumption choices can be an integral part of this transformative experience.
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