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Can't
seem to slow down on your junk food frenzy? Don't worry...
the doc's here to offer some nutritious meals with exceptional
dollar deals!
Meals For a Healthier You
By
Paul D. Rosevear
March 2002
The
CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- Living on a strict diet
of pizza, potato chips, and ice cream may sound like a dream
come true, until the junk food starts taking a toll on your
health! It's easy to slip into bad eating habits while you're
at college. After all, Mom's not around to serve up those
home-cooked meals and Dad can't horde all the cookies to himself.
Fast food seemingly becomes the quickest way to eat a cheap
meal. However, there are better ways to stay healthy, save
your dough, and eat it, too.
A
typical day in the life of a student can be busy and stressful,
says Dr.
Annette Schaefer of New York City Technical College, New York,
NY, which
is why food that is easy to prepare is a must. She assures
that with a little forethought and preparation on your behalf,
eating well can be a delicious dining endeavor.
"Students
are always on the go," Schaefer says, that's why you
should stock your mini-refrigerator with 'on-the-go' foods
like yogurt or nutrient drinks. That way, you'll have snacks
that are portable and full of vitamins and nutrients. "Calcium
is something of which young people just don't get enough,"
says Schaefer.
So
how do you know what to pick up as you're cruising the supermarket
aisles? The
creme-filled cupcakes and microwavable burritos will be tempting,
but you're better off looking for what Schaefer calls 'color
and crunch' munchies. "If you can shop for items that
have these two qualities, chances are you'll wind up buying
fruits and vegetables, thus meeting your nutrient needs,"
she says. "Everything green is good -- except maybe pistachio
ice cream!"
When
it comes time to eat something more substantial, opt for packaged
products that are inexpensive, easy to prepare, and healthy.
"Packaged meals are completely fine, as long as they
have either enriched rice or pasta," advises Schaefer.
"Those added nutrients are critical. Iron is especially
important for young women."
Don't
be alarmed, though... none of this healthy-eating talk means
you have to swear off junk food for the duration of your school
stint. "After all, there's nothing wrong with eating
pizza," says Schaefer. "Just grab a salad along
with it!"
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