The bags are packed and the car is loaded. You finally leave home for college. The time spent going to class, meeting new friends, and socializing can be stressful, often putting your diet on the back burner. By following a few tips, you can maintain a healthy diet despite your busy schedule.

Eating in your university cafeteria is a good option if you have that option. It provides a selection of healthy options, if you choose wisely. If the school has a buffet-style cafeteria, try to choose one item from each major food group. Try to limit your intake of processed foods, cheese, dressings, and greasy foods. Eating from the desert bar can be a great reward after a long day or ordeal. Try not to eat dessert every day to help maintain a healthy diet.

The time you schedule to eat during the day is also important. When you sign up for classes, look at the day with meals in mind. You should have plenty of time in the morning to get ready for the day and have a quick breakfast, either in your bedroom or in the cafeteria. Be sure to take time for lunch sometime during the middle of the day. Try to eat dinner before 7 pm to avoid eating late at night. You should also make time to have a nutritious snack like fruit and granola throughout the day.

Weekends can be very challenging for college students due to the pressure of going to parties. The usual food and drink is pizza, chips and salsa, and beer. If you’re planning a night out and aren’t sure if healthy food options will be available, eat a light meal before you leave and avoid fatty calories. Popular foods among college students, such as pizza, chicken wings, or tacos, are fine once in a while, but if they become a weekly event, your health may suffer.

Excessive alcohol consumption is also a great way to ruin a diet. Beer and mixed drinks have a lot of empty calories, so it’s a great idea to skip them entirely. If you must drink, choose diet soda to mix your drinks, red wine if available, or drink light beer. An occasional alcoholic drink may be fine; however, drinking alcohol daily or even weekly will cause you to gain weight. The risk of liver disease, alcohol dependence, and addiction should always be in the back of your mind.

Remember that drinking alcohol and driving could cost you or someone else your life if you are involved in an accident. The legal ramifications could affect you for the rest of your life. The risk of liver disease, alcohol dependence, and addiction should always be in the back of your mind. If you are going to drink, always have a designated driver, walk or call a cab.

By following a few simple tips and using common sense, you should be able to maintain a healthy diet and enjoy your college years. Your health twenty years from now will be affected by the habits you develop during your few years getting your education.