TIP 4: EAT HEALTHY

When your day is packed with classes, assignments, and studying, not to mention a social life and maybe a job, who has time for healthy eating? While sometimes low on the list of your priorities, being smart about food has many benefits. Eating regularly and choosing healthy portions of nutritious foods means having more mental and physical energy, feeling good about yourself and enjoying better health. Here are the basics…

BREAKFAST DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT:

If you have been skipping breakfast because you don’t have time or aren’t hungry, you have been missing the day’s most important meal. While it’s tempting to get an extra ten minutes of sleep, not eating breakfast will cost you in other ways. Studies have shown that breakfast skippers have poorer concentration, more fatigue, less healthy weights, and eat less fiber and other needed nutrients. Eating within an hour of waking up jump starts your metabolism and provides the fuel you need to get through a busy morning. 

NO TIME IS NO EXCUSE: 10 MINUTE BREAKFAST IDEAS

• Cold cereal, milk, dried fruit
• Frozen whole wheat waffles, yogurt
• Leftover pizza and an apple
• Whole wheat toast, cheddar cheese, OJ
• Instant oatmeal with raisins, almonds
• Whole grain bagel, peanut butter, banana
• Bran bar, chocolate milk, grapes
• Yogurt topped with berries and granola
• Sandwich with lean deli meat and cheese
• Try a breakfast smoothie: Put fruit, yogurt, and juice or milk in a blender. Add a spoon or two of bran cereal or ground flax seed for more fiber. If you’re short on time, take it with you!                                                                                                                          

      IS LATE NIGHT SNAKING?

If you’re up late studying and feel tired and hungry, a nutritious energy-containing snack can be just what you need to perk you up. Be careful, though… late nights are a tempting time to indulge in cravings for salty, sugar or high fat treats that contain few nutrients. Better choices provide lasting brain fuel, like an apple with whole wheat toast and peanut butter or carrot sticks and whole grain crackers with hummus.                                                             
WHAT MAKES A GOOD MEALS OR SNACKS: 

Plan your meals around colorful veggies, fruits, and wholesome grains - nutritious energy-containing carbohydrates filled vitamins, minerals, fiber, and petrochemicals which enhance and protect your health. Add protein- and iron-rich foods: lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, tofu and beans. Milk, yogurt, cheese and fortified soy drinks contribute protein and bone-building calcium.