So being a student can be tough... the huge workload, the loom of gaining the infamous 'Freshman Fifteen', and usually money's tight. Luckily this can often make dieting easier, rather than harder, as long as you avoid those tempting microwaveable pasta meals... just kidding. Who wants to eat that crap anyway!?
Breakfast: A good choice is fat free yogurt, or oatmeal, because they contain protein which = feeling fuller for longer during morning lectures, but without those nasty calories from fat. If you buy in packs of 4 or 6 yoghurts you save money too! Another good choice is a hard-boiled egg with a packet salt or ketchup, and a juice box :)
Lunch: You're probably depleting in energy after having your soul sucked in Psych 101... you definitely need coffee. Free coffee from the cafeteria or bought by a friend is a bonus, but most places on campus shouldn't sell coffee for more than a couple of pounds/dollars. Have yours black or with a dash of skim milk, sweetener if you like (I collect the free packets from coffee stores so I don't have to buy my own) and enjoy with a friend, an apple, or a textbook!
Afternoon snack: By around 3pm you should be coming down from the caffeine buzz but fear not, this is the time to eat some actual food. If you have time to go back to your dorm/kitchen in between or after class, grab these simple ingredients: 2 slices low-cal granary bread, 2 slices fat-free cheese, some lettuce leaves, pickles/ham/turkey if you like... assemble and voila! A sandwich for <250 calories if you make it without mayo or butter. I also like hot sauce in my sandwiches :) Speeds up the metabolism and gives it a bit of flavour without adding cals. Munch on this with a diet soda or bubbly water to give you that full feeling until dinner.
Dinner: If you eat in the dorm, you can get away with something simple like carrot sticks and mustard (a favourite of Marya Hornbacher) - however, eating with friends or roommates might be a little more tricky. Soup is a classic - it's cheap, filling and nutritious, and looks like a substantial meal. Another super cheap/healthy option is lentils. I could eat lentils all day. A bit of salt and pepper to taste and you're good to go :)
Evening: If at 10pm you find yourself riding the munchies wave again, make a cup of herbal tea - peppermint I'd recommend as it's good for the digestion process, and doesn't contain caffeine. If you're one of those people who likes to stay up and study for a while before they sleep, or simply a night owl, grab a textbook, a bottle of water and your iPod and hit the exercise bike. Most college gyms stay open late, and it's a great way to focus & burn some cals until you feel like sleeping. Walks around campus can be chilly during the winter but if it's warm outside, consider a late-night stroll. Crunches might also do the trick! I do 250 each night before bed.
I hope that gave you a little motivation to kick the freshman 15, or avoid them altogether! The trick is to go for low fat/fat free/light options where possible, buy in bulk, use caffeine to your advantage, and exercise/study when you feel restless or bored (instead of reaching for that big bag of chips). Don't forget that thinking burns calories too - if it's the focused kind, that is!
Peace, love and skinny
-Suki <3
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