How to Maintain Healthy Diet and Exercise Habits in College

Courtesy: Delaware Valley University A student takes advantage of the weight room’s equipment to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Starting a new life at college is exciting. Pizza every day? That’s an option. Ice cream every day? That’s an option too. But you might ask yourself after your first semester is done, "Are my habits healthy?” It is very common for first-year college students to let their diet and exercise habits go when they are adjusting to college. 

If you want to maintain or, improve your diet and exercise habits during your freshman year, follow these tips.

1. Have a Cheat Day
Unhealthy food can be irresistible.  If you have a favorite food you love, you can enjoy it in moderation. Don’t restrict yourself from ever eating the foods you love. That can lead to more stress and make a lifestyle change hard to maintain. Having a day where you can eat what you like will make it easier to stay away from these less healthy foods for the rest of the week. It is important to create the least stress possible.

2. Go to the Gym
At DelVal, we have a gym that is open from early morning to late at night. You can go there before classes, between classes, or after classes! I recommend going on Friday or the weekend because there are not as many people on those days. You might feel self-conscious at first going to the gym, but you’ll have nothing to worry about. Try out some machines and find what you like!

3. Think About the Way You Eat
When you serve yourself, it is easy to overeat. Pay attention to healthy portions when filling up your plate. If you live on campus, you will have access to the dining hall. So, if you realize that you didn’t have enough lunch, just go grab a snack at the dining hall! Adjust the quantity of the food to how much you really need. Also, make sure you chew your food! I know, I’m starting to sound like your mom, but fully chewing food helps with portion control. 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle in college is possible with some focus and commitment. Following these steps will help you to maintain healthy habits as you adjust to college life. 

About the Author
Hannah Garrett '19, a Delaware Valley University small animal science major, wrote for the blog as part of a Spring 2019 media and communication class.