Do college students eat as healthy as they should? Studies show that college students are more likely to eat junk food and fast food more regularly then they did when living at home with parents.

Scott, a freshman at UCF, said he eats a well-balanced meal typically every other night, but his eating habits are not regular. 

 “Some days I'll only eat once, some days twice, usually not more than that,” he said.  “And most of the time I'll just eat once, because I eat really big when I do eat."

When he does eat a well-balanced meal, it is usually at a restaurant, because he likes to eat out.   

Jordan, a junior majoring in Computer Science, said that he felt there were a lot of students that make bad choices in food when first moving away to college.  He felt it was because “they didn't have Mommy cooking for them anymore.” 

“I don't eat fast food unless I absolutely have to,” he said.  “I'd much rather cook my own food and eat that if I can, plus it's cheaper.”

From personal experience, I can say that I definitely do not eat well-balanced meals -- except for when I go home (about once every two months). My reason also is lack of time.  Working 20 to 30 hours a week, plus taking 15 credit hours at school does not leave much time to grocery shop, much less cook a meal.  It actually doesn't even leave me much time to stop at fast food places, because I feel like I always have to be somewhere.  I try to exercise as much as possible, however, so I feel like I am somewhat in shape, even though my eating habits are poor. 

In a school setting, students are going to have a wide array of foods from which to choose.  Making the right choices on what to eat, and scheduling eating at regular intervals, it is possible to maintain a healthy diet. 

Here are some tips from IVillage.com's Healthy Eating Expert and other nutrition professionals about eating healthy when first moving away to college:

Tips to Healthy Eating

·        Along with all the other changes that college brings, changes in eating habits are sure to happen. Give yourself time to adjust to new surroundings and new foods.

·        If your campus has more than one dining hall, try them all! College students often complain of boredom with their meals -- you'd be bored with any restaurant if you ate there three times a day, seven days a week and nine months out of the year!

·        Remember to eat three meals every day. It may seem like you can function on caffeine alone, but your brain and body will fail you when you need them most if you routinely skip meals.

·        Carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go. That way you can stop spending money on soda and other sweetened beverages, avoid unwanted calories and ensure that you're well hydrated. A triple bonus!

·        Grab a piece of fruit every time you leave the dining hall, and carry it with you for a quick snack on the go.

·        After you brush your teeth in the morning, take a balanced multivitamin. It doesn't hurt to have extra nutrition insurance!

·        Experiment with vegetarian meal options. College is full of new experiences, and this is a perfect time to try different foods.

·        Keep quick snacks in your room: pretzels, low-fat popcorn, high-fiber crackers, unsweetened breakfast cereal.  If you purchase snacks at the grocery store instead of using vending machines, you'll save money.

·        Avoid keeping high-calorie foods such as ice cream, candy and cookies in your room. Instead, eat a small portion for dessert after a meal once each day to satisfy your craving for something sweet.

·        Eat breakfast!  Breakfast can be a bagel and juice in your room or on the way to class; cereal, milk and fruit in the dining hall; or even a hot meal. Breakfast will get your body and brain ready for the day, and you'll be less likely to snack due to mid-morning hunger attacks.

·        Eat a variety of different foods.  Instead of choosing peanut butter and jelly for lunch every day, or stocking up on ramen noodles because they're cheap, expand your horizons! Make sure to include fruit, vegetables, whole grains, protein and dairy products in your food choices every day.