Eating for Health and Wellness 101

When you graduate from high school, there are
a lot of things to think about: test scores, college applications and the best school academically and socially are a few of the topics that come immediately to mind.  There is a long process that consists of writing essays, figuring out how close or how far away to go, what your friends are doing and just determining what is going to make you happy.  What you may not associate with the college decision process is what type of food you are going to eat and how that food meets your health and wellness needs.

That is right: a time in our lives generally associated with pizza and the Freshman 15 is slowly evolving to a time to begin focusing on eating for wellness.  And the trend is gaining traction.  Last year, there were almost 2,000 articles discussing healthy eating at college compared to ten years ago, when there would be about 400 articles in a year.  A Google search produces more than 8,000,000 pages and websites that discuss healthful eating at college.  And colleges are jumping on the bandwagon, pitching healthy, allergy-free or natural menus and securing features in national outlets, such as this recent article in the Washington Post.

With the prevalence of overweight adolescents at about 18% and the incidence of Type 2 diabetes among children and adults on the rise, being mindful of one’s diet is of utmost importance.  Some studies have demonstrated that the eating habits we form in our first year of college will impact our diet and health and wellness for the rest of our lives –that poor diet during the freshman year can lead to chronic disease in the future. 

Sadly, up until recently, we accepted prepackaged noodles and fast food as a way of life and sustenance on the college campus.  Chains and convenience stores previously dominated food choices on campuses – providing inexpensive and quick options to keep moving without focusing on getting the nutrients one needs from food. 

Today, campuses are implementing exciting changes: healthy option logos for good-for-you food choices, menus consisting of fresh, whole and locally grown foods and student-led food advisory boards that demonstrate the growing advocacy among young adults, an audience that isn’t generally a target in the “health food set.”

As college students and young adults put more thought into what they put in their bodies, health and wellness brands have the opportunity to build brand advocates at younger ages.  Foods that provide the nutrients and value students are seeking have an advantage to build brand preference and life-long allies. 

Imagine the day when you make a checklist for college choices and include a section for health and wellness options, such as gyms, healthy cafeteria options and yoga on campus.  Brands and universities have the chance to take hold of this trend and lead young adults to making positive food choices for their long-term health and wellness.