For many students, morning routines are a rushed affair. Unfortunately, this sometimes results in sacrificing the most important meal of the day, breakfast, according to a research article in the Journal of American Dietetic Association.

“Breakfast literally means breaking the fast (from not eating all night),” said Teresa Leu, a nutritionist at SF State’s Student Health Services. “A third of the students I see have problems with low energy and low concentration.”

This problem, which may affect a student’s academic performance, is reflective of poor eating habits, said Leu.

“If I don’t have time in the morning for a full sit down breakfast, I grab a protein bar,” said Lisa Ethridge, an undeclared junior.

The Student Health Services provides information to students with fast and simple breakfast options including oatmeal, fruit, and low-fat milk.

“Students sometimes go five to eight hours without eating. Then they crave sugar or overeat,” said Leu.

Another reason for unhealthy food choices is that some students have little money to spend on meals throughout the day.

“My friends tend to buy cheap food like mac ‘n’ cheese and Top Ramen, but for me I’d rather eat healthy than save money,” said Ethridge.

Business major Ben Fang opts for convenience rather than well being.

“When I’m on a short budget, I usually go to The Village and buy pizza for about $2 a slice. It’s really good and filling,” said Fang, a sophomore.

But according to Leu, meals like that do not suffice.

“They need protein–real food,” said Leu.

SHS also offers information on healthier eating at campus locations. The Village, for example, where Feng gets his slice of pizza, has fresh fruits and vegetables, salads with dressings on the side, and sandwiches made without cheese.

“I’ve been eating at the Caesar Chavez Student Center salad bar. I usually just grab some greens with no dressing,” said Katty Ng, a senior dietetics major.

Ng also adds healthy items to her salad like vegetables, and protein sources like chicken and tuna.

Energy bars that are commonplace around campus do not sustain appetite, according to Leu.

Instead, SHS encourages students to try yogurt, trail mix, nuts, and lean deli meats, which are more sustainable sources.

Better choices at campus locations like Subway include the six-inch turkey or Veggie Delite sandwiches both under 300 calories, according to SHS.

SHS also offers tips for healthier fast food dining including sharing a small order of fries and ordering orange juice or milk instead of soda.

The Student Health Center and its services are available for all students who would like to come in and see a nutritionist.