Nutrition On Campus: How To Feed Your Brain and Your Body as an MDX Student

When I started university, I struggled a lot with eating junk food and not picking healthier options daily. I noticed that I was overly enjoying my independence as a student, and prioritising hanging out with friends over making healthy food choices.

Growing up, I never really had to worry too much about what I was eating every day because at high school, my mother would pack me a lunch to go that she had lovingly and carefully prepared herself. It was full of good ingredients and healthy nutrients. Alternatively, I would get my lunches from the cafeteria, where there wasn't much variety so I never had to give it much thought.

When you go to university, however, you are in charge of your own decisions, and that includes what you eat. Your attitude, energy level, and ability to concentrate are just a few of the many ways that your body is directly impacted by the food you eat. After a few months of living off the same convenient fast food every day on campus, I finally realised that I needed to take charge of my diet before it started to interfere with my academic performance.

Below are my personal recommendations for how to take care of yourself and your nutrition when you’re studying at MDX!

Pack Your Meals from Home

One of the most effective ways to control your food intake is by preparing your meals at home. Yes, it takes a little longer and may require some forward-thinking, but this allows you to choose nutritious ingredients that also cater to your taste buds and fuel your body for learning. Try a variety of sandwiches, salads, and fruit snacks that you can easily carry to university.  By doing so, you not only have control over the nutritional value of your meals, but you’ll also quickly discover you’re saving money.

Hydration is Key

Additionally, one of the things I always struggled with and something that is really important is drinking water and staying hydrated; Staying hydrated is paramount to maintaining focus and energy throughout the day. Water is vital in transporting nutrients to your cells and keeping you sharp and clear all day. Investing in a reusable water bottle and making it a habit to sip water throughout the day while at university is essential. If plain water isn't your preference, you can always infuse it with fruit slices for a refreshing twist.

Never Skip Meals

It is also super easy to skip a meal without realising when you are in university and are wrapped up in classes back-to-back or participating in social clubs. Remember the power of a well-balanced breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I used to always forget breakfast, rush out of the house, and then have lunch super late. I used to get dizzy and experience headaches throughout the day.

Neglecting these key meals can lead to a general decline in energy levels, which will not help you when you’re trying to stay alert in class! Always make it a priority to have breakfast before leaving your home. Wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual for a healthy breakfast that will fuel you for the day. If you need more time, opt for something on campus, but remember! There’s lots of choice around Dubai Knowledge Park that is quick and healthy, and you don’t have to go for fast food as your first choice:

Hello, Fruits: Swap out chips for a fruit or regular salad. Hello, Fruits offer fresh, seasonal fruits on campus and amazing smoothies and fresh juices. They're not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals.  
Zaatar w Zeit: If you're craving something savoury, walk over the road from campus (at the cross-roads) and find Zaatar w Zeit. Consider options like a whole grain wrap or pita stuffed with veggies, lean protein, and hummus. This Middle Eastern-inspired choice is both delicious and nutritious. 
Kitty's Cafe: Opt for their salads, wraps or whole-grain sandwiches. They often have tasty options to keep your energy levels up without sacrificing flavour.

Make it a Group Effort

Encourage your friends to make healthy choices with you. When you have a network of people pursuing the same goals, staying on track and holding each other accountable becomes easier. You can plan healthy meals together, share recipes, and even work out as a group to maintain a balanced and active lifestyle.

To conclude, maintaining a healthy eating routine while on campus is not only possible, it can save you money and improve your studies. The key is to plan ahead and make mindful choices. Dubai Knowledge Park and the surrounding area offers nutritious dining options, so take advantage of these resources instead of going for the easiest choice!

Incorporating these practices into your daily routine will help you stay on track with your health and nutrition goals and contribute to your overall well-being and academic success. Embrace the opportunity to make good choices on campus, and let it be a positive and enjoyable part of your university experience!