Back to School – College

It’s that time of year again! As kids everywhere start preparing for the new school year, their parents have even more work to do, from shopping for school supplies, to preparing weekday lunches and activities. This time of year can be even more challenging for parents of college-age students.

Whether it’s your child’s first or final year heading off to college, it can be a confusing transition. As teens and young adults, college students are learning how to be more independent. For maybe the first time, they’re having to clean, shop, and cook for themselves! Doing all of this while also balancing their school work and extra-curriculars can be tough – and many students’ diets show that.

College Eats

If you’ve ever looked inside a typical college dorm room, you’ll likely find various “instant” food items like ramen noodles, macaroni and cheese, and microwaveable dinners; or a stockpile of miscellaneous sweets and junk food. Pair these foods with late-night snacking and all-you-can-eat style dining halls, and you have a recipe for disaster!

Check out the below nutritional comparisons between some popular go-to dinner items and some Martin’s bread products. Instead of one of these typical college dinners, imagine a Martins roll filled with fresh vegetables and some lean protein. What a difference!

By being aware of what they are eating, your son or daughter can start making more informed decisions about their health. Get them off to a good start by leaving them with a healthy care package full of nutritional and energizing foods for all of those late night study sessions and tight schedules.

Here are some tasty meal ideas:

• Toasted Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Potato Bread with syrup or hazelnut spread
• Nut butter and fresh fruit on Whole Wheat Potato Bread
  
• Grilled cheese sandwich on Potato Bread with canned tomato soup
• Chicken or tuna salad on Whole Wheat Potato Bread
  
• Peanut butter and jelly on Whole Wheat Potato Bread
• Fresh fruit and yogurt or cream cheese on Whole Wheat Potato Bread
  
• Egg and cheese on Potato Rolls
• Hummus and fresh vegetables on Potato Bread
  

 
Incorporating healthy proteins and nutrients such as the recipes above can help provide the energy your kid needs to get through his or her day. Items like fresh fruits, nuts, trail mix, or protein bars can also be quick grab-and-go snacks for during or in between classes.

Encourage your son or daughter to try some of the above ideas for quick and nutritious meals. They’ll learn that nutrition does not have to take a back seat to convenience. By using Martin’s products by themselves or with a healthy side, they can have a meal that is fast, filling, fun, and full of goodness!

You may not be there to look after them 24/7, but you can certainly equip your college-goer with the tools and information necessary to maintain healthy eating habits. Friendly gifts and reminders from Mom and Dad throughout the school year may be just what your child needs to remember that good nutrition can go a long way!