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Instant noodles may provide you enough sustenance to live on, but they're not exactly the makings of a balanced diet. Yet, at about a quarter a package, they're a food bargain, especially for a college student with a budget as tight as a fan belt.

Every day college students sacrifice nutrition for sound economics. In fact, anybody with a hectic lifestyle is bound to find it a challenge to eat healthy. Many eat ramen noodles and pizza simply because these are meals prepared with ease or by dialing a phone.

Sure, you can get inventive with your dehydrated gourmet, but if you think an order of fries or bread sticks constitutes a healthy side, then you're neglecting your diet. And let me tell you, a lack of proper nutrition could be making you delirious.

Problem: The Ramen-Phenomenon
No doubt about it, ramen is a worldwide phenomenon, probably due to its incredibly affordable price and not its gourmet qualities. But just because it's a quick fix doesn't mean that it's the best solution to your hunger pangs. Hot dogs and frozen pizzas fall under the same category, so don't kid yourself. After all, you are what you eat and nobody wants to be a weiner.

Solution: Wedge in the Veggies
If you're leaving vegetables out of your diet, then you're missing out on good nutrition. Many vegetables are beneficial and tasty. Whether in a salad or steamed, you'll find plenty of vitamins and minerals hiding in vegetables. Most of all, don't forget to respect the pyramid.

Problem: Take Out
The convenience of ordering your favorite foods while sparing yourself from slaving over a hot stove is too alluring, but review or inspect your favorite restaurant's food ingredients and practices, and the results may surprise you. Odds are they don't have many fruits and vegetables on the menu. If that doesn't deter you, try ordering something healthy off the menu. Some people have even adopted their own rules for finding the perfect eatery.

Solution: Loot the aisle of fruit
Picking up that bag of apples and oranges will not only give you great snack food at home, but it also gives you an edge on nutrition, because you're supposed to have at least five servings of fruit and vegetables every day. Educate yourself and find out what kind of foods benefit you.

Problem: Drinking Till You Drop
Americans thirst for alcohol continues to rise, as do the numbers when most of us step on the scales. So don't be surprised if the calories in alcohol give you that dreaded beer belly. For some, this may be beneficial, but for most of us, it's just an unsightly feature we need to work our wardrobe around. You might want to look into cooking with booze instead.

Solution: Hydration Station
Many often mistake hunger for thirst. The Answer: water. Many experts recommend eight glasses a day, but hardly anybody lives up to that. The best policy is to make sure that you are adequately hydrated throughout your day.

Written by Jeremy M. Rottgen

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