Many college students recall with a savoring taste, the days of high school which harbored the relieving feeling of coming home to the smells of a hearty home-cooked meal.

"Not knowing how to cook is tough," said Doug Castle, business sophomore. "I miss my mother, we would eat in the house at least four times a week."

Castle said the absence of his mother's regular cooking has caused him to eat out more now that he is away from home.

The days of coming home to a full and hearty meal may be far for most college students, but Katie Eliot, Goddard Health Center dietician, said it is of great importance to seek healthy meals and good nutrition.

Eliot said one of the most important effects of good nutrition is the energy it provides. It's important for college students to eat healthy in order to maximize their energy levels.

To pump up the energy and get the brain going, Eliot suggests a few healthy tips to help students stay their sharpest.

First, breakfast should be an everyday thing. Eliot said studies show that students who eat breakfast have better concentration levels. A good breakfast should be a mix of complex carbohydrates and protein, which includes such items as bran cereal, whole wheat toast, skim milk or eggs.

Another important routine is eating regular meals, Eliot said. Going for long periods of time without eating, leads to mental and physical fatigue. Eliot recommends having healthy snacks (rich in carbohydrates, protein and healthy fat) to bridge gaps between meals.

When going out to eat or grabbing a meal somewhere around campus, the wisdom behind food choices is highly important. Eliot said students should choose at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, choose lean meats, and stick to whole grains and low fat dairy products.

Natalie Bell, letters sophomore, said she is always seeking to keep a healthy diet. Bell said she usually eats a fit breakfast and is careful to eat an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables.

"The cafeteria has a pretty good variety of food," Bell said. "There is enough variety where I think I can pretty much eat healthy."

A mistake many people can make at the cafeteria is eating too much. Eliot said keeping portion sizes in check will help students avoid weight gain and the risk of ailments such as heart disease and diabetes. Feeling tired and unproductive is a product of overeating (especially with high fat meals).

"I try not to eat a heavy meal before I have to go to class or study because it makes me feel tired," Bell said. "I also drink a lot of water when I study."

In fact, that's perhaps Eliot's strongest advice: Drink lots of water, because dehydration can cause people to feel both physically and mentally slothlike.
hello there & you too