Heading off to college for the first time? It’s normal to feel stressed and anxious. You’re beginning an important transition in your life, and this might be the first time you’ve been away from home without your parents. It’s common to resort to unhealthy eating habits when you’re stressed and pressed for time. However, your brain needs good nutrition to get you through your classes. Check out these healthy eating tips that you can follow even if you’re living in a dorm.

Don’t skip breakfast.

College students often skip breakfast because they’re rushing to get to class on time or because they’ve only purchased a 15 meal per week program at the dining hall. But breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, and if you skip it, you’ll have a harder time concentrating in that morning lecture class. If breakfast at the dining hall is out of the question, keep easy breakfast options in your dorm room. Some good examples are cottage cheese with whole fruit, a whole grain bagel with peanut butter, and oatmeal. Look for instant oatmeal cups that don’t have added sugar.

Keep healthy snacks in your dorm room.

Try to keep chips and candy to a minimum. Instead, choose dried fruit, unsalted nuts and seeds, and fresh fruits. If you have a microwave, keep bags of popcorn on hand. Look for the kind without a lot of extra butter added. And if you’re really craving chips, you can find a healthier alternative that will still give you that satisfying crunch—like baked pita chips with hummus.

Take water with you everywhere.

Buy a reusable water bottle and tuck it into your bag whenever you leave your room. Sip water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and keep your energy levels up. Staying well hydrated is also important for maintaining concentration during classes.


You’ll find everything you need to prepare quick and healthy meals at Villa's Market - Mesa Verde Dr. This family-owned supermarket is known for fresh produce and quality meats. To inquire about their hours, you can call their location in Nogales, AZ at (520) 281-1717.

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