Food plays a very important role in shaping our health, mind & energy levels. Healthy eating is more essential for students as it immediately impacts their concentration, memory & development. If a student maintains proper eating habits, then not only do they remain active throughout the day but they also excel at studies & other things. But poor eating makes them slow, sleepy or absent-minded in school.
Developing healthy eating habits for students is not merely a matter of eating at the right time but also of having the right type of food. Students require balanced meals as per their growing needs to develop their body & mind. If students are made to eat well from the start, they lay a good foundation for living healthily in the long term.
So with all that being said, let us now discuss some of the simple & necessary eating habits which all students must follow.
• Having a Balanced Breakfast
Breakfast has been referred to as the most crucial meal of the day. A healthy breakfast gives students the energy they need in order to begin their morning with concentration & alertness. Ignoring breakfast makes them drowsy, sluggish & less focused at school.
Including whole grains, fruits, eggs or milk in the breakfast ensures that the body & brain will receive the fuel they require to operate efficiently. Additionally, daily intake of a healthy breakfast by students is likely to make them more active, good at studies & have better memory.
• Hydration
Water is equally vital to the body as food. Most students forget to drink lots of water throughout the day which can result in dehydration & headaches. Proper water intake helps keep the body sufficiently hydrated, aids in digestion & enhances concentration too.
Bringing a water bottle to school is an easy habit that needs to be maintained by the students. Instead of drinking sodas or sugary drinks, plain water is always the best option to remain fresh & energised throughout the day.
• Adding Fruits & Vegetables in the Diet
Fruits & vegetables are rich in fibre, minerals & vitamins. Vegetables & fruits boost immunity, facilitate digestion & make students immune to prevalent diseases. Having a variety of fruits & vegetables on a plate also turns food healthy & wholesome.
Fruits may be included as snacks in place of chips or junk food. Similarly, salads, boiled vegetables or vegetable soups at home can also be added to lunch & dinner as a healthy method of building healthy eating habits for students.
• Avoiding Junk Food
Fast foods like burgers, fries & sugary snacks are great in taste but do more harm than good. Regularly eating fast food leads to obesity, lack of energy & poor concentration.
Thus instead of consuming fast food, students must choose homemade food. Plain food such as rice, dal, chapati or sandwich is better than packed & fried food. Building this habit in the early days keeps the students healthy in the long term.
• Eating on Time
Regular meals at set times are also an important factor in maintaining good health. Always being hungry & eating at untimely hours delays digestion & reduces energy levels. Eating regularly on time helps the body to digest food effectively & utilize it for energy.
Students can practice a routine of breakfast, lunch, evening snacks & dinner at regular timings. The regularity keeps the stomach healthy along with making the body active & disciplined.
• Choosing Healthy Snacks
Snacking between meals is a normal routine for every student particularly after school or prior to study hours. However, rather than consuming chips, chocolates or soda, they should consume something healthier.
Nuts, seeds, fruits, boiled corn or yogurt are all excellent snacks. These are satisfying, delicious & nutritious. Adhering to such nutrition tips for students keeps them lively without harming their health.
• Eating in Moderation
Excessive eating is as risky as skipping meals. Students tend to eat more when they are worried, distracted or on the TV. This can cause unhealthy weight gain & indigestion.
The solution is to eat slowly, relish food & leave food as soon as the stomach is full. Practicing moderation helps students to maintain a healthy weight & helps them be free from unwanted health issues.
• Reducing Sugary Foods
Excess sugar is bad for teeth & the body. Students who eat too many sweets, candies or soft drinks can be affected by tooth issues like being overweight & even losing concentration.
Replacing sweets with natural sweets like fruits, dates or jaggery is a much better option. It satisfies the craving but keeps the body active & strong.
Final Thoughts
The importance of good food for students cannot be overlooked as food directly affects how they study, play & develop. Good habits such as having breakfast, drinking water, opting for fresh fruits & not having junk foods can significantly impact their daily routine. Not only do such habits improve their health but also make the students more concentrated & self-assured at school.
At Kasiga, students are always motivated to adopt a balanced & mindful way of life where learning is complemented with health & nutrition care. Besides academic achievement, the school focuses on discipline, good habits & overall health. With good guidance, students adopt healthy choices in a natural way that guides their future in the best possible direction.