So break is over and we’re all back here at Butler trying to finish up these last two months. I can’t believe that’s all that’s left. If feels like the semester just started yesterday!

One of the biggest things I hear after breaks is about how people miss their family’s home cooking. I do agree that Atherton, Resco, and C-Club try their best, but their pork chops don’t come close to my dad’s.

There are two big lessons that you learn about food in college. The first is that no one is better than your parents. The second is to take advantage of your options to make healthy choices, so that you don’t get the dreaded freshman 15 or have problems later on that are a result of the choices we make today.

As an athlete I’ve learned how important nutrition is, and I’ve decided to share Melody’s top 4 tips about eating healthy on campus:

1. All of those Frappucinos, Cappuccinos,  and sugary coffee beverages are wasted calories, and can be hard on your body after awhile.

2. Water is your best friend!

Hydration is really important. It helps you keep water weight off, because your body knows that it will get plenty throughout the day. It’s also really good for your hair and teeth especially. Try having at least two cups of water with every meal you eat, and carrying a water bottle in class encourages you to drink more too. (Drinking water in class is also a great way to help you stay alert in class after studying late the night before.)

3. Salad is a great!

I know anyone with common sense knows that salad is good for you, but you don’t just have to chomp on just lettuce all the time to be healthy. On days that they have nachos or fajitas, one of my teammates adds the chips to her salad along with the onions to make a Mexican salad. I always see people do creative stuff like that with their meals. It’s also good to use the spinach leaves or romaine lettuce rather than iceberg, because they have more nutrients in them. It’s like my coach says “the greener the better!”

4. Mix and match foods that are available.

If you just don’t have a taste for veggies and salads just aren’t your thing try adding something to those veggies to make them more appealing. If you don’t the rough taste of the broccoli in Atherton try taking it to the stir fry station and have them steam it for you, then sprinkle a little cheese from the salad bar and stick it in the microwave. It puts a different spin on it and most find it more appealing and tasty!

I have plenty more tips where those came from, but I want to hear yours. What are some of your favorite healthy tips?