It is hard to stay healthy in college, especially at Tulane, which is the center of Southern food culture. You can’t turn a corner without running into some form of unhealthy albeit delicious treats. Beignets, croquettes, and drinks—oh my! This can also get expensive. I love amazing meals no matter how greasy or sugarey or indulgent, but I can’t eat that way all the time. I was raised in a household that appreciates both the experience of pleasurable food, but also found the fun in eating healthy. From Bruff options to figuring out what to eat at the LBC to eating in the city of New Orleans, here is how I stay healthy going to school at Tulane, without breaking the bank.
Buy healthy snacks. You can use MacMart and your Wavebucks to your advantage. They have everything from Kombucha, berries, yogurt, and avocados. The selection is varied but you can always find something. Whole Foods can get expensive, so only buy the necessities there. Otherwise, Trader Joe’s is the place to go for food that you want to keep in your room. Make food in your room using these staples; it’s easy and you know what you are putting in your body.
Choose nutritious options at the LBC. Yeah, you might want that crunchy, spicy sushi roll (my personal fave) but it probably won’t make you feel great later. Stick to basic options: a simple vegetable or fish roll, a salad with brown rice from Wall of Greens, or the Green Goddess salad from Panera.
Use ClassPass. Join off a friend’s plan and get your first month basically free. You can take workout classes for almost half the price of the usual class at places super close to campus like Romney, barre3, and Yes Yoga.
Walk everywhere. Why not? Tulane has such a small campus and it is beautiful outside this time of year. It is important to get your steps in, but also walking outside in the sunshine will make you happier and reduce your stress levels.
Use Reilly! Go to the gym straight after or in between classes, if you live on campus or don’t. You can do a good 30-45 minute workout in between classes and it will make you feel better. Get a friend to come with you and make it more social. If you can’t make it to the gym, do an in room workout using Tone It Up, Fitness Blender, Blogilates, or Pop Sugar Fitness.
Make the best of Bruff. Combine options of veggies, healthy carbs, healthy fats, and protein and you’re good to go.
Make healthy alcohol choices and always eat before going out. Don’t drink to excess, and eat to avoid the late night munchies. If you do have to late night snack like me, substitute with something equally as satisfying as the unhealthy options. Swap chips for hummus and veggies or sweets for Halo Top or dark chocolate.
Get enough sleep and alone time. This can be hard if you have roommates, but take advantage of when you are alone in your room to take time for yourself. Go to bed when you are tired to get a full 8 hours and try to avoid late night Insta scrolling.
At the end of the day, it’s never easy to feel motivated to stay healthy, especially with constant indulgent opportunities here at Tulane and in New Orleans, but using these tips and tricks will help to get you started!
COVER PHOTO: Rachel Wine
