In the article "Nutrition for the College Student," Kait Fortunato remarks that skipping breakfast is common for college students rushing to start their day. This habit slows metabolism and causes the body to hold onto fat cells. Students who eat a balanced breakfast with high protein and low sugar start the day with more energy and clearer thinking. Johns Hopkins School of Public Health recommends that college students make breakfast a priority by planning meals ahead and by getting up fifteen minutes early.
Fortunato points out that juice, soda and alcohol are the top three beverage choices of college students. Many students do not drink enough liquid, especially water, leading to minor symptoms of dehydration, such as vision impairment, short-term memory loss and decreased attention span. Fortunato also reports that energy drinks are highly consumed among the college population and are often a cause of dehydration. She states that the excess caffeine may cause restlessness, anxiety, irritability, headaches, abnormal heart rhythms and sleeping problems.
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are two unhealthy personal habits common among college students. As many as one-third of college students smoke. While many college students smoke for social reasons, the article in the "Oxford Journal" states that many smoke to increase confidence, to combat boredom or to regulate difficult emotions. It is estimated that four out of five college students drink alcohol, half of whom engage in binge drinking. The National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism warns that excessive consumption of alcohol puts college students at risk socially and increases the risk of future health problems.
The article "Web-Based Nutrition Education For College Students: Is It Feasible?" reports that college students have little knowledge of how to read food labels, how to follow nutrition guidelines and how metabolism and energy work together. Many colleges put effort into educating students on how easy it is to make healthy choices. Simmons College provides a pamphlet for students in an effort to educate them on the best choices in the dining hall or for snacks in the dorm room. Health fairs, prevention workshops and literature, and online resources are available to students to help inform them about nutritional choices and health risks related to poor personal choices.