By Danielle Dullinger
Murphy News Service
College students have a hard time trying to find time to fit in everything during a 24-hour period. Classes, homework, socializing, sleep. Many times students skip out on what is important, which are their health and eating habits.
University of Minnesota sophomore Jacob Peterson is taking 17 credits and cannot find the time to cook. He can’t even find the time to learn to cook.
“I usually just get food to go,” Peterson said. “Like takeout.”
Peterson acknowledges the fact that without time or the will to cook, he will continue to eat products that are not good for his body.
“I mean, I don’t really try to eat healthy,” he said. “I usually just eat whatever I have, like cereal or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.”
University of Minnesota researchers found that 95 percent of college students eat out at least once a week, which leads to increased weight gain and unhealthy eating habits. Luckily, a Boynton Health Services program is here to help students who want to take an initiative with their health and eating habits.
The Student Nutrition Advocacy Collaborative (SNAC) is a group of 10 University nutrition students and provides programs to educate students about healthy eating habits.
Derek Hersch, SNAC coordinator, believes it is not a matter of budget that is keeping students from eating healthy foods.
“I don’t know if money is actually the biggest limiting factor,” Hersch said. “I think time really plays a key role. The students just don’t find the time to cook.”
If you find the time to cook, buying healthier foods can actually be a lot cheaper, Hersch said.
Hersch encourages students to buy foods that they know they will use before it goes bad. Foods like cabbage, potatoes and apples are beneficial for students because the foods are hearty and do not go to waste as quickly as foods like berries do, Hersch said.
Many students buy the right ingredients and make the time to cook healthy meals at night, but it can be hard to fit in lunch during a long day of classes without time to head home.
“I pack several lunches every day because I’m on campus for so long,” Hersch said. “And I always incorporate leftovers into my lunches.”
Hersch encourages students to pack foods that are easy to eat. Fruits and vegetables are a staple. He suggests apples, pears or whole grain granola bars for students walking to class.
“I think nuts are another great thing to have,” he said. “I have almonds almost every day. They’re a really healthy, high-calorie snack that keeps you full.”
Lunch is important, but Hersch encourages all students to eat breakfast every single morning.
“Breakfast is key,” he said. “The studies just keep piling up for the benefits of breakfast.”
Hersch’s recommendations for breakfast include cottage cheese or eggs, which are both high in protein. Oatmeal and fruit are also beneficial for students in the morning, he said. These foods will help students stay full until lunchtime.
Walnuts are another suggestion for students wanting to have a healthier diet, Hersch said.
“They’re expensive compared to other nuts,” he said. The skins of walnuts are what make the food so healthy.
SNAC offers a number of services. The most popular service it offers is its in-home cooking classes. These classes are free of charge and come complete will a full, free meal. SNAC goes to college students’ homes and teaches the students how to fully prepare and cook a meal, Hersch said.
SNAC also offers free consultation services at Boynton. Katie Kasner is the SNAC adviser and a registered dietician.
“She takes appointments from students, staff and faculty, and it’s free if you pay student services,” Hersch said. “She can help you analyze your diet; she can talk to you about weight-loss strategies; managing any diseases.”
Starting next semester, the SNAC students will be providing peer consultation services, Hersch said.
“These are one-on-one with a SNAC peer educator,” Hersch said. “They analyze your diet over the past 24 hours and go over recommendations based on your diet.”
Hersch believes these classes will fill up fast and be just as popular as the in-home cooking classes, which tend to fill up within 48 hours of posting the events, Hersch said.
Hersch encourages students to spend more time thinking about their eating habits and spend more time cooking daily, well-rounded meals.
“I don’t think college students have a problem with eating healthy,” Hersch said. “I think they all know they should be eating healthier. I think it’s just about figuring out time management and what works best for them. I think given the choice and the resources, all college students would eat healthier.”
Hersch wants students to utilize SNAC and the education it offers to create a healthier lifestyle.
Danielle Dullinger is studying journalism at the University of Minnesota.