10 Ways To Eat Healthy At USC

To be healthy or not to be healthy? Eating healthy in college is as hard as getting all A’s in your classes or going to bed before midnight. It is a struggle everyday but lucky you, I have a list of 10 ways to eat healthy at USC. Eat on!

1. Drink Water, all the time, literally.

This is maybe the most basic habit to have as a student! Give yourself the challenge to never have your bottle of water empty! Make water your best friend! If you drink water a lot, it’ll definitely keep you healthy and hydrated for the day! If you like your water flavored, you can add some fruits in there!

2. Make some healthy snacks!

I think my biggest struggle as a student at USC is those cravings I get every day. But, why not fulfill those cravings with healthy snacks you can make at home?! One that I love making is homemade granola bars with almonds, cashews, cranberries and almond butter.

 

3. Prepare your food.

This is maybe the easiest and cheapest way to be healthy while studying at USC. Even though USC offers many food options, it is always easier to be healthy when cooking by yourself. From Ralph’s to Whole foods, there are many grocery supermarkets where healthy options are infinite. Of course, this requires more time, but isn’t this time worth it to eat healthy at USC?

4. Meal planning.

If preparing your food the day before is too much work, you can start meal planning! Meal planning is for me the best way to eat healthy while at college. I started meal planning a few months ago and I found it to be the easiest way to keep a balanced and healthy diet while coping with the stress of USC. Prepare your meals in advance every Sunday night and stock them in the fridge. When you come back home and you’re starving, you will just have to heat your prepared food and eat it.

 

5. Lemonade!

Lemonade is by far my favorite place to eat on campus when I don’t have time to cook. There are many options to choose from such as fresh salads, hot soups, hot homemade meals and sandwiches. Everything is homemade with fresh ingredients and unique flavors. It is a little bit more expensive than most places at USC but if you do not mind this, Lemonade will become your favorite place to go between breaks! For me, it became an addiction.

6. Nektar

Nektar is my second favorite place to eat on campus, or should I say drink? They offer smoothies, fresh juices, acai bowls and healthy snacks. If you need something fresh and fruity, this is the place you should aim for. Again, this place is expensive but you can smell the healthiness from the outside!

 

7. Seeds

I consider Seeds as a quick healthy alternative. From sushi, to salads or sandwiches, there is a variety of choices made available for you. The greatness of this place lies on the quickness it takes to grab a meal. It is possible to choose whatever ingredients you want in your salads and sandwiches. There is also a place where you can choose a protein, some veggies and some carbs, which is everything you need to have a balanced meal!

8. Verde

Verde is also a place quite healthy and offers the flavored and delicious “Mexican cuisine.” Healthy options include salad bowls or rice bowls where you can add a protein or veggies, and some condiments. If Mexican food is your favorite, you’ll definitely have to take a look at this place!

9. Dean’s List Cafe

The Dean’s List Cafe is a great place to eat healthy at USC and it’s cheap. Every day they offer a range of vegetarian options that are homemade with organic and fresh ingredients. They also offer some salads, sandwiches and wraps that are mostly vegetarian as well.

10. EVK, Parkside and Co.

Having a meal plan actually makes it harder to eat healthy at USC. However, there are still some habits you can take to keep your healthiness level high. For example, instead of having pizza or burgers every day, you can make delicious salads with the salad bar offered. Or, you can have a side of soup with a protein and some veggies. It is all a question of balance and containment!

 

Featured photo source: instagram.com and crews1972.com