The transition to college life gives us, students, more freedom to choose the type and the amount of food we eat. Most of us are aware that consuming fast food, soda, and processed food are unhealthy and that they contain additives that can harm us in the long run, but we eat them anyway. Most of us choose the food that we eat because of the taste preference and out of convenience.

Here are some tips for a healthier diet:

1. Eat a good breakfast.
Never, ever, skip breakfast!!!! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When there isn’t time to sit down in the dining area, you can just grab a bread or a piece of fruit and you are good to go.

2. Keep healthy snacks at hand.
It is very important to keep energy-boosting snacks in your study table, backpack and other easily accessible locations. Fruits are always a great option. Also eating heart-healthy nuts are convenient and can help you be energized.

3. Get plenty of sleep.
Studies show that we’re more likely to eat unhealthy food and snacks when we are sleep-deprived, and less likely have the energy to exercise. Make sure to establish a solid bedtime routine and make sleep a priority for optimal health.

4. Go easy on the caffeine.
Ayaw himuang tubig ang kape choy. Too much caffeine can cause insomnia and other health-related problems. As you consume the same amount of caffeine on a daily basis, your body develops a tolerance to it. Try to limit yourself to one or two cups of coffee per day, and remember that caffeine come in forms other than coffee like teas, sodas, and chocolates.

5. Practice moderation.
Eating well and avoiding weight gain doesn’t mean you have to give up all of your favorite treats. Healthy diet still can include the occasional slice of pizza — just be mindful of your portions and practice moderation when eating sugary snacks, fried food, and other indulgences. Allowing yourself to enjoy a small treat every now and then may also increase your productivity.

6. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated and drinking water regularly allow us, students, to deliver our best when it matters the most. It allow us to demonstrate our knowledge, as staying hydrated is associated with and increased ability to recall information, to stay focused on the task at hand, to feel alert and to help boost mood. All these are key skills needed to perform well under pressure.

How can drinking water help concentration?
Water is a part of our body’s means of transporting essential nutrients to all the places that needs them. Water aids our brain’s function and concentration by giving it the electrical energy it needs to perform optimally. It also flushes out toxins. When the body is fully and consistently hydrated, this exchange of nutrients and toxins to and from our brains is highly efficient. The result? Better concentration, greater mental alertness, improved memory as well as a more balanced mood. A hydrated brain can be more creative, think with more clarity and make decisions faster.

Something to Ponder:
We all pass through various difficulties in life. We fail many times. Sometimes, we get totally disappointed and we don’t know what to do next. Failure in life may even force us to think that our entire life is a complete failure. But remember that failure is just a temporary detour, not a dead end. So, cheer up and let not the small failure in life kill your enthusiasm. As my friend always say, “MOVE ON AND STUDY HARDER”.

You got this mga ka tropas, laban lang. Go go go, fighting! 💪😁