Staying fit and healthy in college can be very tough. We are always on the go and just grab anything we find or make things that can be ready in 90 seconds (like mac and cheese...so good!). Even if we avoid all these horrible college foods and NOT eat throughout the day, we are still jeopardizing our health. We always have small breaks during the day, but somehow use those breaks to be lazy. It may sound super hard to stay fit and healthy in college with our busy schedules, but following these 10 EASY steps can lead you in the right direction!

1. Avoid going out to eat/eating at places on campus

On every campus, there are tons and tons of places to eat. These places are for sure not the best places to decide to eat lunch. Fast isnt always the best option when trying to get fit. The best thing to do to avoid eating crappy at school is bringing your own lunch to breaks. I am a junior, and yes, I still bring my own packed lunch to school. Bringing a lunch is such a great idea because it saves you money, its a lot healthier (if you pack the right foods), and you don't have to spend time waiting in long campus lines! If you and your friends decide to go out to eat one night, that is okay! When looking at the menu, visit the under 500 calories or smaller portions section. Make sure to be aware of portion sizes also. A lot of restaurants serve double portions and this is when you get double the fat, calories, sugar, etc.

2. Stock up on healthy snacks

No matter if you live at home or in a dorm, make sure you have plenty of healthy snacks! Instead of shopping and getting mac and cheese and ice cream, buy some protein bars, nuts, or even some natural organic cookies! In my book bag, I always pack a bag of carrots and a vegan protein bar for when I get hungry during my long days. If you keep buying healthy foods and eating healthy, this will become a habit (a great one to say the least) and it will be easier to get into the groove of things! Try hard to not break the cycle of buying healthy snacks because the process will become harder!

3. Drink water

WATER! WATER! MORE WATER! Staying hydrated is so important. Drink a big glass of water right when you wake up each day, and this will get your body up and moving faster. Having water with every meal is very important also. Drinking water with a meal helps the food digest faster and is a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day. I am attached to my water bottle so I have it with me 24/7. Try and carry a bigger water bottle (rather than the generic plastic bottle) so it will force you to drink more and you will always have water ready when you get thirsty. Always having water on you also helps you avoid buying soda out of the vending machines or coffee!

4. Use the rec

A lot of college campuses have workout facilities/recs available to students. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS! Even if you have never worked out a day in your life, at least take advantage of the track or treadmills. A lot of recs have other helpful resources to take a look at including strength machine training, personal training, group fitness, nutrition help, etc. Do not be afraid to ask questions. If your goal is to get fit and healthy, get all the help you can to reach your goals! Also, if you have long breaks in your day, instead of sitting and eating, go to the rec!

5. Stairs

Every hall/building should have access to staircases to get to each floor. Taking the stairs instead of an elevator is a great way to get a couple little workouts throughout the day. Just doing little things like this can help tremendously. Once you take the stairs for a while, taking the stairs will be a breeze!

6. Friends

Grab your friends and get fit together! Having someone to workout and eat healthy with makes reaching your goals a little bit easier. If you do this with a friend, make sure they are going to stick to their goals too because you do not want to lose what you have been working on just because your friend has! Having a friend to do this with will also make the tough times in your healthy transition easier because they are going through the same thing you are!

7. Motivation

Make sure you stay motivated! Take note of long and short term goals, and at the end of the week, see if you are where you want to be. You can be your own motivation by taking pictures of your progress and seeing how your body has changed. Keeping a food log can also be a good motivation tool. You can look at how healthy you have been eating, and it will be easier for you to keep eating healthy.

8. Smoothies > Starbucks

It is super hard to not go with the faster option when trying to stay healthy. At Akron, there are Starbucks are all over, and the drinks are made pretty fast. Honestly, when I am heading to class, I don't feel like waiting in a long line and waiting a little longer to get a smoothie. Although Starbucks is faster and it is just soooooo good, a smoothie or water is the better option. 200 calories of fruit and yogurt is a lot better than 200 calories of coffee and sugar. Drinking a smoothie can also fix your craving of sweets!

9. Don't skip breakfast

We hear this all the time, but it is so true. Eating breakfast and drinking a glass of water right when you wake up boosts your metabolism. Even if you do not have time to make a huge breakfast, have some boiled eggs or a protein bar when you're heading out the door! If you live with friends or roommates that have the same schedule as you, you could each make a healthy breakfast food and share! NEVER SKIP A BREAKFAST!

10. Love yourself

There are so many things to worry about when trying to stay healthy and fit, but we always have to focus on loving who we are too. When making changes or trying to maintain the changes you already have made to your body, there are always moments when the going gets rough. We have to remember we aren't making changes to the amazing person we are on the inside. Personally, I have always had the mindset that I could always look or feel better, push myself harder and forget how far I have come. We always need to remember that everyday we are making progress and we are still beautiful no matter what!