It's that time of the year people. Spring break. College kids from around the country gather on over-crowded beaches to have the time of their lives with their best friends. As fun as this may sound, it comes with a lot of pressure. Walking around all day in a bikini? Personally, that sounds like a form of punishment at this point. I don't know about everyone else, but I have not spent the better part of these cold months getting in shape, that's for sure. There's no need to stress, though! There are plenty of quick and easy fixes to get you feeling more confident by the time you're walking down the beach.
1. Cut out soda
I'd be lying through my teeth if I said that I'm not completely obsessed with Diet Coke. Whether it is Coke, Sprite, Mountain Dew, even Red Bull... get rid of it. Soda is packed with unnecessary sugar and serves absolutely no nutritional value whatsoever. While it may give you a quick burst of energy, it only causes a crash hours later that is way worse than being tired. If you use it for caffeine, switch to black coffee or tea. If you use it for taste, try something like Crystal Light or sparkling water. The best option, however, is plain old water!
2. Actually, just cut out sugar completely
Cakes, cookies, white bread, candy, all of it. It all tastes amazing, but giving it up for the next few weeks will make all the difference! If you face a craving, try munching on your favorite fruit! Fresh strawberries hit the spot as well as blueberries mixed with vanilla greek yogurt. It satisfies your sweet tooth but eliminates all the sugar and calories!
3. Walk more
I recently transferred to a school with a huge campus and within the first month, I lost 10 pounds strictly from all the walking. Simple changes like parking in the back of the lot, walking to class rather than driving, and getting off the couch make a world of difference! I used to use an app on my phone that counted my steps and I would be completely amazed at how many steps I would take or how many miles I would walk during a simple trip to the mall. More steps = more calories burned!
4. Wake up earlier
I know this seems a bit out of the blue, but it helps so much! When waking up earlier, I find myself being more productive and making better choices throughout the entire day. If I wake up earlier, I can have time to make a healthy breakfast, pack a healthy lunch, and get myself together. If I wake up late, not only am I flustered throughout the day, but I often find myself eating junk! I'll stop at a coffee shop on campus and grab a bagel and load it with butter. However, waking up earlier and using the time to make a turkey and lettuce wrap to bring to campus with me give me the opportunity to eat healthier, but also save money! Double win in my book.
5. Get in shape with your friends
Ask people in your group chat to get in shape with you! If you know you have to meet Caroline at the gym at 4, you're way less likely to skip. If you made plans to go play basketball with Josh and Reece after class, they will be counting on you and you will not back out! Having someone meet you to work out holds you accountable and makes it difficult to make excuses
6. Cut back on the booze
College is notorious for alcohol, but alcohol is not necessary for fun! Beer is loaded with carbs, mixed drinks are loaded with sugar, and all of it is simply bad for your body. Along with that, we all know nothing tastes better than a pepperoni pizza after a night out. And the next morning, McDonald's breakfast sounds like heaven on earth. For the next few weeks, stay in. If you go out and feel like drinking, stick to something low cal. Do not blow your money and caloric intake on beer and sugary drinks and you will see a difference immediately!
7. Cut down on your portion sizes
Americans are known for overeating. While this is just ridiculously unhealthy, it also causes mass amounts of weight gain! Eat until you feel full, not stuffed. Not only will this make you feel better, it is also just so much better for your body. With doing this, your appetite will change as well! I used to be able to eat probably three slices of pizza but after adjusting my portion sizes, I find myself being full after one! For once I crave things like lettuce wraps and salads because I know they won't make me feel stuffed. Not only is this a diet change, it is a lifestyle change! Adjusting sizes will make you feel so much more healthy and not fatigued.
8. No matter what, love your body and be confident!
Nothing beats seeing someone who is comfortable in your skin. No matter what size you are or what you look like, OWN IT. God gave you this body, so work it! Do you have curves? Work them. Do you have a tiny waist? Flaunt it. Broad shoulders? Be proud! No matter the feature, love it because it is what makes you, YOU! What more could you ask for?
