Whether it's the beginning of your sophomore year and you're stressed about that "Freshman 15" you have gained, or you're getting ready to graduate, and just want to feel good about yourself for those interviews, there are so many simple ways to get back in shape. Even if you are not looking to lose weight, it is always a good idea to have a healthy diet and watch what you are putting in your body. The slightest diet change can lead to a boost in energy, attitude and even clearer skin.
Here are a few things you can cut out of your diet to get back to your best you without going to unhealthy extremes.
Soda.
Not only do sodas have no nutritional value whatsoever, they are one of the leading causes of belly fat. Most sodas contain 10 teaspoons of sugar in a single can, and even diet sodas contain harmful chemicals that are not good for your body. Cutting sodas out of your diet will make a bigger change than you would expect. In addition, drinking water will make you feel better and have more energy. It may seem difficult to cut soda from your day, but it is one of the easiest ways to drop unnecessary calories (and scary stuff you can't even pronounce) from your diet.
Alcohol.
Alcohol is one of the main reasons for weight gain in college. The average serving of alcohol has 100 calories. I know you're counting right now how many "servings" you usually have on a given night out. Add that to the soda you are probably having along with it, and you have a major problem. Along with the obvious dietary reasons, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, the shrinking of your frontal lobes and has even been linked to infertility.
Unnecessary bread.
I know my favorite restaurants are the ones with the best bread baskets (shout-out to Jim N' Nicks). But skipping the bun on your burger, or the breadsticks at Olive Garden, can make a huge difference in your diet. Most refined white breads like these account for 320 extra calories per day, which can quickly add up to extra pounds. There are good carbs, however, so try to switch to whole grains if you are obsessed with bread like I am.
Flavored Coffee Creamer.
Just one serving of these can contain 40 calories, six grams of sugar, and nine percent of your recommended daily serving of saturated fat. It is better to go with basic half and half. This is something very simple to cut out of your daily routine that can lead to great results and help you start your day feeling healthier. If you are an avid coffee drinker like me, this small change can make an unexpected difference.
Sugary Cereal.
A single serving of Cinnamon Toast Crunch is 130 calories, and the usual bowl is about three of these "servings," because who can eat just 3/4 of a cup. That isn't even counting the milk. Better alternatives for breakfast include oatmeal, eggs or fresh fruit. You can also throw some Canadian bacon in there. Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so make sure to make it count with healthy foods to give you boosts of energy throughout the day.
These foods are all things we can live without. And, if you are exercising, cutting these foods out will make you feel better and have more energy in the gym. There is no better time than now to start eating healthier, and to be more mindful of what we put in our bodies. Whether you are working toward weight loss, or just want to be healthier in general, cutting out things like soda and processed white breads is an easy start.
