Between bad canteen food, project deadlines, basic infrastructure and restrictions on going outside or bringing in outside food (read food delivery by hotels), living in a hostel is difficult enough as it is. But what takes the biggest beating here is your health. It’s easy to say that you’ll gain it back once you’re out of hostel, but take it from us. That rarely works. Instead the pattern continues for a decade, until you hit 30 and you suddenly realise you need to get healthy, and quick. So, take the easy route and do some sensible eating now for an easy time later. Here are some easy diet tips to stay healthy, which even hostelers can follow, despite all restrictions.
1. If your canteen food is too oily, stock up on sachets of cornflakes. You could have it with milk and avoid a greasy breakfast at least.
2. Stock up on fruits regularly to be had as a snack instead of something fried.
3. Many canteens do not provide snacks between meals. So instead of ordering in some junk food, keep cucumbers and carrots handy to munch on.
4. If you don’t like munching on raw vegetables, you could opt for masala oats instead. Just pour hot water on it and allow it to stand for some time.
5. Bread and peanut butter is another healthy alternative to junk food or oily canteen food in case you’re looking for a change.
6. Keep track of what you are eating and try to work out a portion size that works for you. If you are conscious of how much you eat, you will not overeat.
7. Keep a box of mixed nuts and dried fruits handy for a late evening snack or even for those nights when you are staying up to study or do project work.
8. Don’t skip meals in order to keep up with deadlines. Work out a schedule. When the body starves, the body piles on fat.
Image via Relish-a-Dish
9. Break the snack monotony with other healthy options like roasted chana and dry bhel.
10. Go easy on the chai and see if you can switch two of the times you have chai for milk or a yoghurt cup.
11. If you still think you are not getting enough nutrition, then don’t hesitate to supplement it with some multi-vitamins to stay healthy and illness free.
