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Truthfully, I am one of those people who would actually go back home when the gym trainer says, “Go hard or go home.” So, any sort of advice from me regarding being healthy almost seems comedic. Yet, my first three months in college have made me realise, if anything, the essence of proper diet and exercise, thanks to the hours I have spent on gobbling masala maggi and honey-chilly potatoes. Through my horrible experience of food poisoning, I have realized the need to take control of my health through the following ways.

 “Fruits are a collegiate’s best friend” ~ Marilyn Monroe

Just kidding. Marilyn Monroe didn’t actually say that. You caught me there, but fruits are definitely going to be your well-wishers throughout college life if not others. You can carry bananas, apples, oranges, and guavas to college easily, and if you have the time, you can create for yourself a fruit chaat. Moreover, you can locate the nearest fruit vendor to your college and grab your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. It might not seem exciting at first, but it really helps. Also, have you ever tried guavas with chili powder and chaat masala?

Running away from aerated drinks

I am sure your mom has told you how Coke and Pepsi are good pesticides and you have laughed it out. Well, it turns out our moms are right. These aerated drinks have so much sugar that we might just as well welcome diabetes with open arms. One can really save themselves by finding healthy substitutes. In this case, locate the nearest juice corner to your college and make it your regular hangout spot. You’ll not just get rid of sodas from your diet, but fresh fruit juice is healthy and on top of that, you get a good hangout spot to discuss the recent episode of Bigg Boss.

Healthy fast food? Is that possible?

While it is true, you’ll have to let go of Maggi, honey-chilli potatoes, and momos if you wish to remain healthy, but you can still savor your taste buds by scouting for potentially healthy fast foods. While 100% healthy is not guaranteed, you can minimise the intake of flour and bloating-inducing spices. Subway is a great option as it allows you to create your own subs. Moreover, rather than eating at fast food chains or eateries, you can opt for cafes and restaurants. Idlis at any South Indian restaurant or steamed rice at a Chinese restaurant are healthy, wholesome, and tasty options.

Emergency eating

While you’re trying to eat healthily, your friends will still meet at Maggi point and eat burgers at McDonalds. How do you help yourself? Well, if at certain times when you’re really craving the greasy fast food, you should opt for the healthier variant. Opt for a McVeggie instead of a McAloo Tikki. Opt for a vegetable Maggi instead of the masala one. It might not be dramatically healthy but it avoids the guilt to a certain extent.

CHIPS!

No, chips are not my next how-to-eat-healthy advice.

Chips are a regular snack for a collegiate and honestly, there is no one on this planet who would refuse them, if offered. But, obviously, they are your biggest enemy if you call them your staple diet. So, if you really love potatoes and wish to eat healthy, you must make french fries yourself. Not only are healthier than packaged chips but, they’ll also remind you of your mom back home. Also, try to develop a taste for banana chips, they can be a delicious snack.

Dry Fruits

No, sire, they are not just meant to be given as Diwali gifts. Dried Fruits are loaded with micronutrients, fiber, and antioxidants. They are highly nutritious and salted ones are no less than your favourite Haldiram’s namkeen. If you haven’t heard about them already, you should try salted ‘makhane’. They are just like popcorn.

Other than the above-mentioned directions, it is equally important to exercise. A 30-minute workout can do wonders for your body and your mental health too. Also, water! Drink lots of water. It’ll help eliminate all the toxins and wastes from your body. This list is not meant to be exhaustive and it is your creativity to create healthy meals and snacks for yourself, but the general guideline is to avoid packaged items and fast food to make your college life free from regular visits to the washroom between lectures.

 

Feature Image Credits: iTunes, Connect Colony, YouTube, Remote Traveller 

Graphic by Varoon Tuteja for DU Beat

 

Varoon Tuteja

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