Baby carrots or a cupcake…it seems like a no-brainer. (Cupcake, right?) OK, so maybe you would actually choose the carrots, but why is nutritious food so important? It’ll help you look great, for starters. But while vanity is often our main motivation for healthy eating, the real benefit of choosing a healthy diet is a healthy mind and body. For hard-working college students, this is especially important.

If you fuel your body properly, you’ll have plenty of energy to stay awake in class, study for tests, and spend time with friends. The whole reason you’re in college, after all, is to expand your mind and social circle, not your waistline. If you’re feeling good, it’s a lot easier to get up for early-morning classes. You won’t learn much from the comfort of your bed at 8 a.m., except which sleep position works best for you. Interesting, but it won’t do much for your GPA.

Clean up your act
If you’re short on workout time, the best way to stay healthy is through clean eating. This means avoiding foods loaded with preservatives and unnatural sugars. Eat well by chewing on the basics: fruits, vegetables, protein, whole grains, water, and vitamins. Sound like torture? It’s not — eating well is good for you.

College is the perfect time to start focusing on nutrition. If you’re on a meal plan, opt for the healthier foods in the cafeteria — they are there. If you're buying your groceries, you completely control what you eat.

Author: Amy Ambler

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