Nutrition is an essential component to living a healthy life, but for some, especially college students, it can prove to be a challenge as many don’t get everything they need on a regular basis.

According to a 2011 study from Oregon State University surveying the eating patterns of 582 college students, many college students did not regularly get the necessary food servings for a healthy diet.

Nutrient deficiencies varied between sex and age, but a common theme was many do not get what they need and instead exhibit unhealthy eating habits ranging from skipping breakfast to eating too much junk food.

For example, the study showed that men who were surveyed consumed too much fat content, while women needed more fiber.

When asked about their own personal emphasis on nutrient intake through healthy eating, some Iowa State University students felt it was an important consideration in their diet. For others, it either wasn’t a priority or they were content with getting what they could and where they knew they could get it without stressing over the details. 

Nathan Pomykala, freshman in mechanical engineering, said eating his fruits and vegetables was important, but it was fine if he went without them.

“I generally try to eat healthy,” Pomykala said. “If it’s there, I’ll eat it, but I’m not going to go search for it. I’d say sometimes it’s just not an option. Some days I try, some days I ignore it.”

For others, it’s not even on their radar.

Kelsey Daniels, freshman in animal science, said it wasn’t something she personally cared about.

“I don’t think about it at all,” Daniels said. “I don’t really care about nutrition at the moment.

“It’s more of a natural need and people don’t really think about it. We’re hungry so we don’t really care about what we’re eating so long as we’re fed.” 

Lisa Nolting, Iowa State’s registered dietitian, explained why it’s important to maintain a healthy diet.

“You need a variety of foods to fuel your body,” Nolting said. “Basically, your macro nutrients would be proteins, carbohydrates, fats and also fiber.”

Nolting addressed why she believes many people struggle with maintaining healthy eating habits and getting the kinds of food they need.

“I think people struggle to find the right balance in their lives between work, school and depending on what stage of life they’re in, their relationships and their families,” Nolting said. “Sometimes it’s hard to plan meals and snacks to meet their dietary needs due to time constraints and also maybe not having the right knowledge and skillset.”

Nolting recommended that students use My Plate, a guide provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that outlines the appropriate meal proportions of the major food groups, emphasizing the importance of having a healthy balance of vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy and protein.