We've all been there: sneaking fistfuls of siblings' Halloween candy, pigging out on every carb imaginable at Thanksgiving, drinking too many minty-chocolatey-delicious drinks leading up to Christmas, and before you know it, it's a new year, and we haven't eaten anything green or leafy in months. After coming to this not-so-brag-worthy realization, we must ask the ultimate question: Is it possible to get out of this rut and undo the damage? (And can it be done before spring break?!)
1. Incorporate as much tea into your diet as possible.
Now, this may not seem very appealing to you, especially if you're a dedicated coffee drinker (like me). Next time you're on your daily Starbucks run between classes, check out these superstars! Green tea is the Beyonce of all teas: it helps prevent clogged arteries, lowers cholesterol, and it burns fat! Black tea is extremely rich in antioxidants, which we missed out on when we reached for an orange-flavored Starburst instead of a fresh orange. Similar to black tea, Pu-erh tea was the subject of a recent study, in which participants who were asked to drink it regularly faced less weight gain than those who did not drink it. (Funny name, but hey, we'll try it!)
2. Enlist a buddy for the mission.
Almost everything is more fun with a friend by your side: singing along to "Pitch Perfect 2", going on a late night froyo run, going to the moon (if you asked Neil Armstrong, I'm sure he'd say Buzz Aldrin made the trip 10 times more fun), etc. Yes, having a friend eating healthy and exercising with you makes the process easier, but it also forces you to be held accountable for your actions. If you're craving Chipotle one day, but you're trying really hard not to have it as much, a friend can remind you of your goals and suggest something healthier but just as yummy!
3. Make it a fun journey.
Of course, I understand spring break is right around the corner, and the clock is ticking, but you won't stick with it if you absolutely hate it. Sometimes, being healthy and staying motivated isn't easy (in fact, sometimes it's miserable). I say find something healthy that you actually enjoy eating, and eat it; find something active that you actually enjoy doing, and do it. If you like going to the gym, bring your iPad and watch Netflix while you run. If you like smoothies, blend the heck out of some fruit. If you keep it interesting and different, it'll keep you motivated.
At the end of the day, a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. Don't stress out too much about the countdown to spring break. Whether or not you're in the shape you want to be in by then, every step you take toward your goal is a step in the right direction. On a side note, there are exactly 114 days until summer, just in case anyone was wondering.
