Nutrition Tips for College Students

College students often find themselves pressed for time --- and either not eating or not eating well. Both of those scenarios can be bad for a student's health. Nutrition tips for college students include ideas for eating on the go and advice for what to eat when there is not a lot of time or choices. Eating healthy is not easy during the college years, but attempting to do so can lead to better grades and ultimately a better college experience.

Breakfast

• You have heard this since you were a kid, but it still holds true: Eat a good breakfast. This is the first meal of the day and sets the stage for the rest of your day. If you do not have time to sit down and eat, grab a piece of fruit and some juice to take on the go.

Fast Foods

• Fast food is never a great choice, but sometimes in college fast is exactly what you need. If you are going to eat fast food, try to make healthy choices, such as a salad offered in many fast food joints. Choose grilled chicken instead of hamburgers and baked potatoes over french fries.

Healthy Snacks

• Studying late at night tends to bring on the munchies. Instead of going to the vending machine, reach for a healthful snack such as granola mixed with nuts and even a few M&M's to satisfy your sweet tooth. Sunflower seeds and popcorn without butter are other satisfying snack ideas.

Sugar

• Sugar might give you energy, but too much sugar can tack on the pounds as well as contribute to tooth decay. Replace sugar with artificial sweeteners, and stay away from soda. Drink iced tea or water with lemon instead.

Salad Bar

• Watch out for the cafeteria salad bar. Just because the name includes "salad" does not mean the whole bar is healthful. Green, leafy lettuce and other vegetables are fine, but beware of the salad dressings, croutons and other high-calorie, high-carbohydrate items.