According to the International Food Information Council, millennials are more interested in nutrition and snacking than ever before.
Snacking is easier for some students, as having a meal plan or packing mini meals and snacks can be helpful. However, for students who do not have access to quick meals throughout the day while on campus, preparing snacks in between meals can improve overall wellbeing in a variety of ways. Having something to quickly munch on before, during or after classes and in between meals can boost energy levels and metabolism, improve concentration and keep students’ immune systems working efficiently.
What constitutes a healthy diet? In general, a healthy diet contains a variety of nutrient-rich foods, such as two cups of fruits and three cups of vegetables, a variety of proteins, dairy products and healthy fats — think avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds and fatty fish. While this sounds great in theory, it can often be difficult for students to get all of the nutrients and calories that they need throughout the day in just two or three meals.
Sitting in a lecture hall with an empty, growling stomach can cause discomfort and distract from the task at hand. Not eating throughout the day can also leave a student feeling groggy, sluggish and irritable. With just a few minutes of preparation each day, this can be avoided. Preparing snacks ahead of time can save money and prevent overeating during meals.
When someone is running on empty, their immune system weakens, leaving them susceptible to bacterial infections or viruses. Well-timed snacks can combat this by keeping the body fueled and ready to fight whatever comes its way. By eating a meal or snack every two to five hours, students keep their bodies energized and running at optimal levels.
Some easy, healthy snack ideas for a quick energy boost throughout the day can include Greek yogurt with a piece of fruit, whole-wheat bread or toast topped with peanut butter or mashed avocado, or fresh fruit paired with a cheese stick or hummus and deli meat with whole-grain crackers, like Triscuits.
If students would like to meet with the campus dietitian, Marissa Rudley, to help think of ideas for healthy snacking or any other nutrition topic, they can schedule an appointment at [email protected]. Also, don’t forget to join the campus dietitian and Vandal Health Education at our third Wellbeing Wednesday, “Stressing Nutrition,” on Oct. 26 from 3:30-4:30 in the Commons Panorama room. Rudley will talk about eating strategies to manage stress and improve health — and as a bonus, free snacks will be provided.
Ian Middleton
can be reached at
[email protected]