Healthy Habits For Fall Semester

Welcome back students! Whether you are a freshman or returning for another year, the transition from your summer schedule to your school schedule is likely to be different. You may have a schedule packed with classes, labs, work and/or co-op. At the start of a new semester, when your schedules are changing and busy, the things that tend to take a back seat for many students is eating right and exercising. You might find yourself saying "I will eat better next week" or "I will start exercising as soon as I am settled." Try to stay on track from the beginning as this could help you stay on track throughout the year.

One way to do this is to eat breakfast each morning before you head off for the day. Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day! This will give you the energy you need to stay focused in class and avoid feeling sluggish. Your breakfast doesn't need to be a large meal. Try to include something with carbohydrates (whole grains - whole grain toast, whole grain cereal, or a breakfast bar) and a protein source (peanut butter, eggs, string cheese, low-fat yogurt, or milk) along with a piece of fruit. Try to think balance!

Something else to consider is if you have classes back-to-back throughout the day. If that is the case, you should pack some healthy snacks to keep your energy going until you can sit down to have a meal. Snacks to pack in your backpack: granola bars, dry cereal, whole grain crackers, pretzels, trail mix (nuts, dried fruit, and cereal), nuts, and/or a piece of fruit. And make sure to keep a bottle of water with you; this will likely help you avoid overeating or from making less than healthy choices when you finally have time to sit down to have a meal.

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Nutritionist Christine Clark works with Dining Services to provide you with tips and techniques to stay healthy during your time at Northeastern. If you have any further questions about this topic or are looking for more information about any other nutrition or diet topic, such as food allergies or sports nutrition, please contact her at christine.clark2@compass-usa.com.