Back to School, Back to Health!

 

The fall can be a stressful time for many people, especially students and teachers! With classes to prepare for, tests to study for, and projects to complete, the amount of work can be overwhelming. Healthy choices may fall to the wayside, and stress can cause you to form some new unhealthy habits. Healthy Table is here with some tips to help you avoid some common pitfalls of the fall semester, and enjoy a healthy autumn season!

One of the biggest problems students have is a lack of time to prepare food. When it comes down to exam week with several tests, assignments, and projects due, it can be hard to find time to sleep much less prepare a meal. Often, people turn to frozen or pre-packaged meals, which may not be the healthiest options as they are often loaded in salt, fat, sugar, and preservatives. Some simple planning can help avoid having no time and nothing to eat. Writing a grocery list and planning out meals a few days before the week begins will ensure there are healthy options in the refrigerator and pantry. Slicing fresh fruits and vegetables, preparing whole grains or beans, and cooking up lean protein at the beginning of the week will make it even easier when time gets short. Just grab a few of each, mix together, heat, season, and voila!

Another common issue for students is stress eating. When we are stressed, we often turn to “comfort” foods. These foods can also be high in fat, salt, calories, and sugar – which is why they are so comforting! To minimize stress eating, make sure you have a plethora of healthy snacks on hand. It helps to not buy the foods you are most likely to overeat when stressed – out of sight, out of mind. If you find a craving coming on strong, try to drink a glass of water and think about if you are really hungry. You may find you are just bored, stressed, or thirsty.

Finding time to exercise is another challenge of the back-to-school season. But making time to work up a sweat will do wonders for your stress level and your body as a whole. Exercise releases endorphins, contributing to the “runner’s high” many people experience while running. These endorphins make you feel euphoric, happier, and more relaxed. Not only will you burn calories while you are exercising, if you work hard enough your body will continue to burn a higher number of calories after you are done as well. Exercise will help you to relax, sleep better, and may help you avoid craving unhealthy foods. So when you are feeling stressed, take time for a workout – even 20 minutes will help!

Image Source: http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-5233-32711--,00.html