Hye. Thanks for the query.
Healthy eating for fitness and stamina as a student involves eating right at the right time when needed by the body and not skipping meals just because you are busy studying.
1. Base your meals on starchy foods: roti, bread, potatoes, bhakri, rice whole grain pasta.
Choose whole grains, roti, bhakri, unpolished rice and potatoes with skin where possible which have more fibre, vitamins and minerals. Remember carbohydrate rich foods contain fewer than half the calories of fats per gram and they are the source of glucose for your brains.
2. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables:
Choose a variety of fruit and vegetables as they contain different combinations of vitamins and minerals. Soups and fruit juices all count! Try grating vegetables like carrots and cabbage into parathas or add lots of vegetables to khichdis.
3. Eat more healthy fats - aim for at least two portions per week of nuts
Include also oily fish like salmon, fresh tuna, sardines, mackerel and trout.
4. Cut down on saturated fat and sugar
Although we need some fat in our diet (to provide the essential fatty acids and aid the absorption of the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K), too much fat may lead to weight gain. Replace saturated fats from butter, pastries, cream, pies and cheese with unsaturated fats found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, oily fish. Too much sugar, especially between meals can increase risk of tooth decay and will add extra calories so limit your added sugar intake! If you get a sweet craving try having fruit instead.
5. Eat less salt, adults should eat no more than 6 g per day.
A high salt intake is associated with altered lipid profile, high blood pressure. Most of our salt intake comes from processed foods rather than salt added during cooking or at the table, so always check food labels for the salt content. Try using extra herbs, spices, citrus juices (lemon and lime), mustard or vinegar to flavour foods so you can use less salt in your recipes.
6. Get active and be a healthy weight!
Ideally, 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes vigorous intensity physical activity and muscle strength training on at least two days per week. Moderate intensity activities include cycling or brisk walking. High or vigorous intensity activities include swimming and running. Muscle strengthening activities include weight lifting, exercises with weights or carrying heavy boxes or groceries. At least indulge in some sport like football, basketball athletics etc. Physical activity can reduce the risk of lifestyle disorders at an early age and helps maintain a healthy weight.
7. Don?t get thirsty
Aim for 8-10 glasses of fluid per day. Water is the best choice as it hydrates you without adding any extra calories to your daily intake. Most types of drink count including water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, milk, fruit juice and smoothies, but try to avoid added sugar in your drinks as this can increase risk of dental decay. Alcohol does not count because it makes you pass urine more frequently and contributes to dehydration rather than hydration.
8. Don?t skip breakfast. This is very important. A healthy breakfast can provide fibre, calories, vitamins and minerals important for health. Choose wholegrain cereals, porridge or wholemeal toast, roti, poha, rawa, with fruit for a healthy start to the day.
9. Avoid alcohol and smoking. 10. Get good sleep.