The first week back to school (or starting at a new school) can be full of all of the emotions from excited to nervous to overwhelmed. Staying on track with nutrition and your meals can sometimes be the last thing on your mind. Starting off on the right path can help set you up for success by getting into a good habit before the studying, exams, and projects really start to pile up!
-
Eat three meals per day. The hectic schedule can make this difficult, so work to have a plan in place to ensure you aren’t skipping meals, as this can cause overeating later in the day. Eating breakfast can increase energy and concentration throughout the day.
-
Avoid drinking your calories. When drinking caffeine, try to avoid calorie-filled options and opt for lower calorie and sugar-free options. Ensure adequate hydration in your day with plenty of water to help with energy and alertness.
-
Plan ahead. It is easier to control your intake when you have planned ahead. Take time on the weekends to plan meal options for the week to have options available to help prevent higher calorie grab-and-go options from the vending machine or fast food during busy days.
Rebecca Kraay, MMN, RDN, LMNT ’16, ‘17
