Unhealthy eating habits range from eating bigger portions of food, snacking between meals, skipping breakfast and not regulating meal timing.
We often consume more sugar-sweetened beverages, fast foods and ultra-processed foods rather than fruits, vegetables and other healthy products. Poor dietary habits, coupled with physical inactivity, can significantly undermine the health and well-being of university students, challenging the maintenance of a healthy weight.
Additionally, unhealthy eating habits contribute to the risk of chronic diseases.
Being properly informed about nutritional practices is critical in changing behavior and promoting healthy eating habits.
Lusine Aslanyan, a research associate at AUA’s Avedisian Onanian Center for Health Services Research and Development, shares helpful nutrition tips for students.
“In terms of healthy eating and just having a healthy diet, having balanced energy throughout the day, not skipping breakfast would be my number one tip,” Aslanyan said.
She provides valuable nutrition tips to help students maintain healthy eating habits. Key practices include avoiding sugary drinks, unhealthy snacks, and eating meals right before bed. Instead, students can benefit from meal planning, choosing healthy snacks, and staying hydrated, even on a tight schedule. Nutrient-dense fruits like bananas, apples, strawberries, and blueberries can easily be integrated into daily meals, while healthy fats from avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, and homemade butter offer additional benefits for a balanced diet.
Lilit Talalyan, PG junior, said that for her food breaks are important while studying.
“One thing I would recommend to others is to take breaks,” she says. “During those breaks, you can eat something like a salad, which can energize you and help you study and process information more effectively.”
In addition to eating well, recent studies show that getting enough sleep and engaging in physical and mental activities are also essential for a healthy lifestyle. These factors help support productive studying without harming your well-being.
Moreover, researchers concluded that acknowledging that making small efforts rooted in healthy eating habits over time can be paramount to lasting dietary and nutritional changes students can significantly enhance the quality of their lives.
So, changing your mindset to embrace nutritious eating and healthy habits is like leveling up your life—it’s a step toward feeling your absolute best!
