Tips & Tricks from a Resident

Cater to when you’re hungry while still making sure you eat regularly and watch your eating habits so that you’re always feeling your best

• There will be days when you eat more than others, and days when you eat less than others. That is okay. Appetite fluctuates; it's normal.
• It only becomes a problem if you’re constantly binge eating or skipping meals.

Ate a late breakfast and don’t feel like having a full lunch at noon?

• Take a granola bar from Urban Market for when you’re snackish later

Studying and don’t want to go back and forth between reading and taking a bite from a messy sandwich?

• Grab a piece of fruit or a small bag of chips

Find yourself skipping meals, either due to lack of energy or forgetfulness?

• Set a timer and add meals to your daily schedule. You need something in your belly to do well in school and keep sick days to a minimum

Find that you’re always snacking or looking for something to occupy your boredom by eating throughout the day?

• It wrecks your appetite at meal times, and you’ll never be fully satisfied
• Try gum, it helps a lot
• Try not to keep snacks in your room; it's easy access

Plan everything? Put “lunch” or “water break” into your schedule. Block off time to take care of yourself. It improves your mood, and it’s just self-respect

• Even if you don’t plan everything, do your best to set time aside to eat

The dining plan is there so that you can eat and don’t have to stress about preparing meals whenever you’re hungry. You’re still paying for it, so don’t swipe your card without thought

• Ask for a receipt from the cashier (balance is near the bottom, but above the total from your purchase)
• Boost has your balance in the profile tab
• Your Bridge profile shows your balance in the finance section
• Still don’t know? Contact Housing, they will be happy to help

Download the Boost app and use it all the time! It is incredibly helpful for staying well-fed

• Order near the end of class and then pick up your order on the way to your next destination
• Skip long lines at the cashier

• Get up, order, get dressed and ready, pick up food without a whole lot of interaction if you aren’t a morning person

   

Vending machines

• Not the go-to
• Hard to track spending, and you don’t realize how much you use it. Small purchases accumulate when you’re not paying attention

Energy drinks and coffee are appetite suppressants. Keep them to a minimum

• Try to include a meal when buying a drink, so it comes from your base dollars

• Healthier alternatives are juice, chocolate milk, protein drinks, or, best of all, water

   

Keep a small snack (or two) in your backpack if you know you’ll be hungry during class but don’t have enough time between lectures to get a full meal

• Helps you focus, and you’ll feel responsible, which makes you feel good

Find the closest food place to you and build it into your daily routine!

Example of a Balanced Weekly Menu on Campus:

Thank you to Dakota for sharing your knowledge and insights!