Uni Student Stuck Eating Unhealthy Food

I'm a student, and throughout the course of the last 4 years, I have had lots of assignments to write that take long hours to complete.  I have found that sugary drinks and potato chips are the best way to concentrate late at night, or throughout the whole day for that matter! These assignments require absolute concentration and high levels of energy to stay motivated to finish it, but it often means that I am not very active.   This has made me constantly gain weight - is there any way to eat other 'healthy' foods that will still motivate me in the say way???

Definitely cut out the junk food as much as possible, I find it hard to concentrate on an essay when I'm on a sugar high - especially when it wears off. Try drinking tea (or even hot water) instead of soda, and keeping veggies to munch on. I find celery is really good while you're thinking as it takes a while to chew!

Also, if your uni has a gym you might be able to use it for free or at a discounted price as a student. I find that taking my readings to the gym with me and doing them while on a cardio machine (varies by day) forces me to study while working out.

Original Post by jasperdip:

I'm a student, and throughout the course of the last 4 years, I have had lots of assignments to write that take long hours to complete.  I have found that sugary drinks and potato chips are the best way to concentrate late at night, or throughout the whole day for that matter! These assignments require absolute concentration and high levels of energy to stay motivated to finish it, but it often means that I am not very active.   This has made me constantly gain weight - is there any way to eat other 'healthy' foods that will still motivate me in the say way???

wow.  that has got to be the lamest excuse i've ever seen.  sugary drinks and potato chips are the best way to concentrate?  you have got to be kidding.  please, let go of your illusions.

water and high-quality sources of protein will help you concentrate.  fish, peanut butter, lean meats, and legumes are some good sources of protein.  throw in some whole grains and fruits and veggies and you're set.

I know the sugary stuff is hard to let go, but the amazing thing is and I promise you this.  Once you give it up you never really want to drink it again, it actually will taste gross or syrupy. 

I also know its hard to just go to veggies and water.  I suggest going to somthing that gives you sugar but in a better form.  Try juices, fresh juicing is the best but if you dont have the time or equipment then get 100% juice. It gives you a quick energy and is easier than trying to suck down tons of water when you are not use to it. 

As for the snacks, try things that are again sweet but natural.  Back to nature makes some womderful dried fruit-like dried strawberries that taste way better than candy.  Reminds me of fruit roll ups-and talking about that they have fruit leathers from Sams and Costco (40 in a box for 9.99 8 different flavors)  which look like fruit roll ups that are 100% fruit no added sugar just fruit and apple juice pressed and count as a 1 serving of fruit.  Trust me they are hard to stop eating!  This way you are eating healty but dont even realize it! 

I hope this helps--I know how hard it is to give up the bad stuff--My vice is coffee, but it really is better for you in the long run and you will feel better.  Whatever you do, do not start to drink the diet sodas insted, there are ingrediants that are even more highly addicitve than normal soda and are worst for you.  Good Luck

Thanx for all your help - its not just that I am lazy and am addicted to sugary drinks - its just that I am at uni for hours every day, and that often leads into late nights without proper healthy meals, and Its hard to find healthy meals or snacks at uni... tea is seeming to help, but I cant get away from those hunger cravings

if you're hungry, you should eat.  you just don't have to eat garbage. 

i'm sure your uni has a salad bar or a corner store or a deli where you can get a sandwich.  i've never seen or heard of a uni that only serves chips and pop.