New studies offer a look at what college students eatby Anthony Mainville.Julissa Aries usually does not have time for breakfast with her hectic schedule. Aries, 21, a City College junior, often ends up eating a snack like a Rice Krispies bar and drinking a soda for her first meal of the day. “It’s more difficult to prepare healthy meals, especially if you work and go to school,” says the anthropology major. “It takes about 10 minutes from my house to get to the nearest supermarket. Healthy foods are more expensive.”Aries represents thousands and thousands of fellow college students who need to change their eating habits for a healthier tomorrow and future.A new study conducted by researchers from Oregon State University surveyed the eating habits of 582 college male and female students. The research found that both sexes were not eating the proper amount of fruits and vegetables. “We found that students skipped meals fairly frequently, which could account for some of the lack of fruits and veggies,” says Brad Cardinal, one of the study’s authors and a professor of exercise and sports science at OSU. “Proper eating and nutrition is not integrated enough into our society.”CCNY students realize that it’s difficult to maintain healthy eating habits. The ability to create healthy meals becomes almost impossible with what seems like a never-ending day. “I’m not shocked college students aren’t healthy since there’s not enough time to make meals before school,” says Raymond Wong, 19, a CCNY sophomore majoring in electrical engineering. “I’m not really health-conscious. However, I currently work out at Wingate Hall and eat what I think is healthy."Cooking at home and exercising regularly can boost both the physical and emotional health of students. “I try my best to eat as healthy as possible, and I eat fruits daily and drink organic teas,” says Yolaine Nivar, 25, a CCNY junior who majors in studio art. “Money is not really a factor because it’s worth spending on healthier foods. I use the Callanetics exercise method DVDs for my workouts, and I also mediate to relax.”The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene suggests these healthy eating tips:the following when eating out or grabbing food on the run:
- Eat smaller portions. A healthy portion is about the size of a fist.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. Experts suggest at least five a day.
- Drink water, seltzer, or other low-calorie beverages--rather than soda.
- Cut the salt. Read labels and avoid products with high sodium content. And add table salt sparingly.
- Avoid high-fat foods. Substitute chicken, fish and vegetarian meals for meat, and eat whole grains and low-fat products.